Have you seen the popularity of charcoal toothpaste? Do you think it really works? Are teeth really whiter or healthier with an activated charcoal toothpaste? That’s a question on the lips of many. A dentist in Airdrie discusses the good and bad of teeth whitening so you can choose what works best for you.
What is Activated Charcoal for Teeth?
Activated charcoal is carbon that has been processed to create a very porous material. it is used to absorb stains, toxins, and plaque in toothpaste. However, the way it works in your mouth is different than a traditional whitener.
How Charcoal Toothpaste Works?
Most charcoal toothpaste can whiten your teeth by getting rid of coffee, tea and smoking stains. You will use a good toothpaste that won’t bleach your teeth, but will scrub off discoloration.
Key Points:
- Removes surface stains
- May reduce plaque buildup
- Absorbs certain odours and toxins
But it’s worth noting that charcoal will not alter your natural teeth colour or treat any deeper stains.
Charcoal Toothpaste Effectiveness
Some find charcoal toothpaste useful while others do not. For minor surface stains, some users see a slight improvement. However, research indicates that charcoal isn’t much more effective than toothpaste containing fluoride when it comes to teeth whitening.
Consider:
- Works best for surface-level stains.
- It may not prevent cavities.
- It should be used alongside regular fluoride toothpaste.
What are the Charcoal Toothpaste Benefits?
Charcoal toothpaste has some other benefits besides whitening:
- Helps absorb odours for fresher breath
- Provides a natural alternative to chemical whiteners
- Can assist in removing plaque with gentle brushing
What are the Risks of Charcoal Toothpaste?
Despite its popularity, there are some charcoal toothpaste risks to be aware of:
- It can be rough and wear down tooth enamel over time.
- It may cause your teeth to feel sensitive.
- It can stain dental restorations like crowns or veneers.
- It lacks fluoride, which is essential for cavity prevention.
Before using charcoal toothpaste regularly, be sure to ask a dentist at a dental clinic near you.
Does Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?
Charcoal toothpaste can help remove some light stains on the teeth, but it does not whiten the teeth. You might get the impression of a whiter smile, even though the result is subtle.
Tips for Safe Use.
- Use only 2–3 times per week.
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing.
- Combine with fluoride toothpaste for cavity protection.
- Ask your dentist if your teeth are sensitive.
Comparing Charcoal Toothpaste to Regular Whitening Toothpaste
- Stain Removal: It usually cleans just surface stains, while regular whitening toothpaste can remove both surface and some deeper stains.
- Abrasiveness: It is more abrasive and can lead to the wearing away of enamel. A regular whitening toothpaste is less abrasive.
- Fluoride Content: Most charcoal toothpastes are made without fluoride, hence they provide less cavity protection. Regular whitening toothpaste is mostly made with fluoride.
- Long-Term Safety: Using charcoal toothpaste often can lead to the destruction of your enamel; hence, regular whitening toothpaste is recommended for daily use.
- Whitening Effect: The whiteness obtained from charcoal toothpaste is very faint; however, a regular whitening toothpaste tends to be more effective, and the results become more visible with time.
Learn How to Whiten Safely and Effectively!
Uncover the dentist-recommended safest ways to whiten your teeth and keep them healthy. Schedule an appointment with Airdrie Choice Dental today and receive custom recommendations for your oral care routine.
FAQs
Does charcoal toothpaste really whiten teeth?
Although charcoal toothpaste may remove surface stains, it does not significantly whiten teeth.
Is charcoal toothpaste safe for daily use?
If you use baking soda frequently, it can wear down your enamel because it’s abrasive. Better to use it every once in a while.
Can charcoal toothpaste prevent cavities?
Some charcoal toothpastes do not use fluoride, so they may not work just like normal toothpaste.
What are the benefits of using charcoal toothpaste?
It can help get rid of stains on the surface. It can also make your teeth look slightly brighter for a short while.