“Is charcoal good for your teeth?” – this burning question has sparked a revolution, making charcoal one of the biggest trends in oral and dental care.
Charcoal has become an essential ingredient in commercial face masks and scrubs. Some people swear by it for whitening their teeth. However, it is crucial to learn about the effects of charcoal on teeth before you start using it.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal, a powder-like substance, is made from coconut shells, oxidized wood, and other organic compounds. It offers enhanced absorption and combines with other substances. Due to its wider popularity in the beauty and wellness industry, it’s marketed as a detoxifier for facial scrubs and masks.
Let’s see the pros and cons of activated charcoal for teeth whitening.
Pros of Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
Are you wondering, “Is charcoal good for your teeth?” Well, moderation is key. Proper dental practices and use of activated charcoal toothpaste may:
- Help remove surface stains.
- Control bad breath due to its absorbent properties.
- Reduce rough areas on teeth, offering a gentle polishing effect.
- It is cheaper than other teeth whitening solutions.
Cons of Activated Charcoal toothpaste
In 2019, the British Dental Journal published that activated Charcoal doesn’t fight tooth decay, and its regular use can interfere with dental work like fillings.
Let us look at some cons to understand: “Is Charcoal good for your teeth?
- Charcoal particles can stick to your gum and cause irritation.
- If used daily, toothpaste with activated charcoal can wear down the teeth’ enamel due to its abrasive properties.
- Everyday use of charcoal can make your teeth more sensitive.
- Excessive use of charcoal toothpaste wears down the enamel, leading to cavities in teeth.
- Some brands using activated charcoal in toothpaste don’t add fluoride, which increases the chances of tooth decay.
- Activated charcoal may remove particles but doesn’t detoxify gums or teeth. It may control the plaque but doesn’t remove toxins.
- Charcoal contains large particles, so it might gather between teeth, particularly if you have multiple dental restorations, leading to the formation of dark lines in your mouth.
The effects and safety of using charcoal in the long term are still unknown. So, all charcoal enthusiasts must dig deep before incorporating it into their daily oral care routine.
Is Brushing With Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Safe for Your Teeth?
When it comes to dental care, using activated charcoal in toothpaste has gained popularity.
However, the question arises: Is activated charcoal good for your teeth?
The answer lies in understanding the abrasive limits set by Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) values.
- The higher the RDA, the more abrasive it is and the higher the risk of enamel damage.
- The lower the RDA, the less abrasive it is and the lower the risk of enamel damage.
The RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) values for two widely recognized activated charcoal toothpaste
- Hello charcoal toothpaste has an RDA of 90.69.
- Natural Dentist charcoal toothpaste has an RDA of 76.
Following is a chart of toothpastes and their respective RDA values.
The chart shows that activated charcoal toothpaste is at a medium abrasive level, but ADA still recommends being cautious while using it.
Is There Any Scientific Evidence Supporting the Effectiveness of Charcoal as a Whitening Toothpaste?
Activated charcoal in toothpaste may remove surface stains on your teeth, but there is no evidence to prove that it works below a tooth’s enamel.
For teeth whitening, a product must work on the surface as well as on the intrinsic stains below the enamel. However, there is no scientific evidence that suggests that charcoal can target both intrinsic and extrinsic stains of your teeth and whiten your teeth.
What Else Works for Teeth Whitening?
Several safe and effective options exist, including professional whitening products provided by dentists such as:
- Whitening strips
- Whitening toothpaste
- At-home whitening under dentist supervision
- In-office teeth whitening
When looking for teeth-whitening products, go for the ones with ADA seal of acceptance and those containing hydrogen peroxide and blue covarine.
Notably, a 2019 study suggests that whitening technologies surpass the efficacy of whitening toothpaste and technologies, including activated charcoal.
How Effective are Natural Home Remedies for Teeth Whitening?
Natural home remedies may not be as effective as commercial teeth whitening products, but they are natural and easy to use. You can check with your dentist if these remedies are suitable for you.
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Apple cider vinegar
Regularly brushing your teeth after meals and beverages that stain teeth, like coffee, tea, etc., can help you maintain a whiter, pearl-like smile.
Do Dentists Recommend Charcoal-Based Toothpaste?
The American Dentist Association encourages dentists to advise their patients to be cautious of using charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices. Since most dentists are part of ADA, they are hesitant to recommend activated charcoal over fluoridated toothpaste.
Several brands of dental care products vouch for oral and dental care. But, it is better to discuss your options with a highly experienced, skilled, and caring dentist.
Still wondering, “Is charcoal good for your teeth?” Call Osseo Family Dental at (763) 425 – 2626 or contact us online to book an appointment.
FAQ
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Is charcoal toothpaste better for your teeth than other toothpaste?
Charcoal has gained much popularity but is less effective than other toothpaste or at-home whitening products on the market. It may remove surface stains, but long-term use is still unknown due to limited studies.
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Does charcoal have side effects on teeth?
Regular use of charcoal wears down the tooth enamel and causes sensitivity. It also fails to remove stains below the enamel.
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Can I use charcoal on my teeth every day?
Charcoal may be used once every other week at the most. If you want to whiten your teeth, go with the ADA-approved teeth whitening products or in-office bleaching treatments recommended by a dentist.