Separating fact from fiction can be challenging when choosing healthcare products. This is especially true when it comes to choosing toothpaste. The world’s leading toothpaste manufacturers include charcoal toothpaste in their menus of specialty products to whiten teeth. But is the problem with charcoal toothpaste what is left out of the marketing message?
To learn more about how to maintain healthy teeth and gums, schedule an appointment at Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral examination and professional teeth cleaning.
What is Activated Charcoal?
If you look at the active ingredients found in the leading charcoal toothpaste brands, you will probably find “charcoal powder.” This powder is activated charcoal, which can absorb pigments and stains that discolor teeth. In addition, its ability to absorb toxins has made it an approved and effective treatment for swallowed poisons.
Activated charcoal powder is manufactured by heating coal to extreme temperatures, which creates a very porous product. While charcoal powder is added to toothpaste and mouth rinses, it is also available for purchase as a powder. Some people use charcoal powder like baking soda for brushing their teeth.
Does Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?
Brushing without toothpaste can help keep teeth white by removing plaque and food particles. Adding toothpaste can enhance the whitening potential of brushing because all types of toothpaste are abrasive. Charcoal toothpaste whitens teeth in much the same way as any other toothpaste. Charcoal powder’s fine and abrasive particles make scrubbing plaque away more effective for whiter teeth. However, the whitening results have not been proven to exceed other products.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?
Although charcoal toothpaste can remove surface stains caused by foods, beverages, and tobacco, is it good for your teeth? Unlike bleaching, abrasive toothpaste scrubs off microscopic layers of enamel while it removes stains. Because the thickness of enamel is a significant factor in teeth’s whiteness, the result of using charcoal toothpaste over time is the darkening of your teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) also states that there is “insufficient clinical and laboratory data to substantiate the safety and efficacy claims of charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices.” Therefore, the ADA recommends further study and advises patients to exercise caution when using charcoal-based oral hygiene products.
Best Teeth Whitening Options
There are several steps you can take to keep your teeth white, such as:
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Brush your teeth twice daily for two minutes using toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
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Floss daily.
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Minimize foods and beverages that easily stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
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Rinse with water after eating and wait thirty minutes before brushing.
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Avoid tobacco products.
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Use over-the-counter-bleaching strips. While not as effective as professional whitening, some products can remove some surface stains.
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Professional teeth whitening. Programs such as Trident Dental’s “Whitening for Life” ensure your teeth remain white and your smile is bright.
Schedule Appointment
Trident Dental offers professional teeth whitening for whiter and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter products. Contact us to learn more about what home oral care products are safe and effective.