One of the latest trends in alternative remedies for dental care is activated charcoal toothpaste. While many providers of such toothpaste claim a range of benefits, find out what experts say about this common dental care routine, and how to improve the health of your teeth and gums. Don’t experiment with your teeth, but find out what research and professional advice says about this new trend in oral care.
What is Activated Charcoal Toothpaste?
Before you ask, “Is charcoal toothpaste safe?” it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s become so popular. Activated charcoal is an ancient medicinal technique used to bind to everything. The idea is that it will bind to all your stains, bacteria and tartar, and safely and effectively clean your mouth. Many companies and individuals are marketing charcoal as a safer and more effective product than professional dental care or popular toothpaste formulas.
Unfortunately, researchers have found no significant support for this claim. Not only is activated charcoal being marketed with claims that aren’t proven, but dentists and other dental care professionals are also experiencing a range of negative effects from frequent activated charcoal use. Discover how you may actually be hurting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health by using this alternative toothpaste ingredient.
Dangers of Using Charcoal in Dental Care
When you use activated charcoal toothpaste, you’re exposing your teeth to highly abrasive material. Unlike normal toothpaste, activated charcoal is powerful enough to remove the surface layer of enamel and even root surface. At first, this appears to whiten your teeth, but the long-term consequences can be severe damage to your teeth.
In addition to the natural abrasion of charcoal toothpaste products, individuals who are concerned with the health and whiteness of their teeth may actually be brushing too hard. Aggressive brushing techniques can further damage your enamel as you scour your teeth.
Dentists are beginning to see charcoal particles firmly lodged in gums and fillings. Because of the severe binding nature of activated charcoal, particularly powdered charcoal, it may be causing irritation to your gums and creating difficulties with your fillings.
Over time, these irritations and abrasions can lead to costly dental care. Fillings, enamel repair and whitening, and other dental services may be required to not only give you the results you want but also to repair the damage done by activated charcoal toothpaste and by avoiding professional oral care by a certified dentist.
At best, charcoal is an unproven way to clean and whiten your teeth. At worst, it’s actively damaging your teeth, irritating your gums, and removing surface enamel from your teeth. Your teeth’s surface enamel is essential for preventing cavities, keeping your teeth white, and encouraging overall oral health.
Top Ways to Enjoy a Healthier Smile
Instead of trying an unproven remedy for whiter, healthier teeth, turn to the time-tested and scientifically supported ways to enjoy a healthier smile. Enjoy professional tooth whitening procedures, visit your dentist once or twice a year, and consider using fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental decay. Tooth whitening uses a special whitening solution with tailored trays. This process isn’t permanent, but can efficiently whiten your teeth without damaging your overall tooth health.
Whiten your teeth while keeping them safe from abrasion and other unhealthy practices. Because of the lack of evidence to determine does charcoal toothpaste work, turn to a leading dentist near you for safe, effective cleaning and whitening procedures.
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Schedule an appointment today with Tempe Smile Design to enjoy preventative and restorative dental services that have a proven track record of keeping your teeth and gums healthy for years to come. Enjoy conveniently, thorough cleaning and whitening services by friendly, experienced dental staff near you.
Image Credit: Shutterstock By Vladimir Gjorgiev