Charcoal toothpaste has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many patients asking us whether it’s effective and safe for achieving white teeth. After careful review of the research and available data, here’s what we’ve concluded at Parker Dental Studio.
1. Charcoal toothpaste is natural, so it must be safe, right?
Charcoal is a natural material and often promoted as safe. But just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s always good for your teeth. The safety of charcoal toothpaste depends on how often and how it’s used. Charcoal feels gritty and can wear down your enamel over time, complicating your search for white teeth. It “whitens” teeth by rubbing off the outer enamel, which is not ideal for long-term use.
To make things more confusing, different charcoal toothpaste brands include different ingredients. Some include fluoride, while others don’t. Fluoride is also a natural mineral that helps protect and strengthen your enamel. If you’re considering charcoal toothpaste, check the ingredient list—or better yet, ask your dentist if it’s a good choice for maintaining those white teeth.
2. Charcoal toothpaste removes stains, but what type of stains?
– Activated charcoal toothpaste can help remove surface staining that is typically caused by: coffee, tea, wine, or any other dark foods. However, not all staining leads to white teeth. Some stains have developed due to natural aging or from medication taken in early years. If you are unsure if charcoal toothpaste is for you, I highly recommend reaching out to your dental care provider for more guidance on achieving and keeping those white teeth.
3. Charcoal toothpaste will make your teeth whiter after 1 use: too good to be true?
– Charcoal toothpaste can help remove superficial staining, but it’s not a quick fix. The effects vary from each individual and can take weeks or months before seeing improvements in white teeth. There are no quick fixes to teeth whitening without seeing a dentist for in house whitening treatments, ensuring the white teeth you desire.
In Conclusion:
Charcoal toothpaste contains rough particles that aid in superficial stain removal, however there are other, and maybe even safer methods of teeth whitening out there. Charcoal toothpaste “whitens” by sanding down your enamel. It is highly recommended to seek dentist advise for obtaining white teeth so you may find a product that works well for the goals you have in mind.
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