Is Charcoal Toothpaste Good For Your Teeth

Recently, charcoal toothpaste has been popular because it is said to be useful for whitening teeth and removing stains, among others. But does charcoal toothpaste really do good things for your teeth? Not so innocently. There are a few possible benefits of having charcoal toothpaste but also some pretty serious risks that may outweigh these benefits.

This article will explain how charcoal toothpaste works, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as some scientific evidence that may recommend its use and safety. But to further guide you in your decision on whether to include charcoal toothpaste in your dental hygiene routine, we'll run through three of the most frequently asked questions about it.

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

One flavour that can be mentioned is charcoal toothpaste which contains activated charcoal as the primary ingredient. Activated charcoal is carbon processed to be made up of an incredibly high surface area, thus it is very absorptive. In fact, activated charcoal is frequently used in treatments for poisonings and water purification for its porous texture that traps contaminants.

Activated charcoal is incorporated into toothpaste as it's believed to adsorb surface stains on the teeth that leave them looking whiter. However, it has long been controversial for practicing dentists, and charcoal toothpaste is so ubiquitous because there is really very little scientific evidence that examines its long-term effects on oral health.

How Charcoal Toothpaste Works

The main role of charcoal toothpaste is a weak abrasive. Coffee, tea, red wine, and numerous dark-colored foods and beverages will stain the enamel surface; these can be removed by this paste's tiny activated charcoal particles. Chemical whitening products work at the root by piercing through the enamel, whereas charcoal toothpaste functions superficially does not penetrate through the tooth and influences intrinsic discoloration.

On the other hand, charcoal toothpaste has two sides to its abrasive activity. While this one can help polish teeth and get rid of some stains, it might eventually weaken the enamel over time. It's essential to weigh the possible advantages against the hazards because this enamel loss can result in more sensitive teeth.

Advantages of Charcoal Toothpaste

It can remove surface stains and thus can give the potential whiteness of teeth. The pores in activated charcoal serve as a trap to capture chemical substances that may induce teeth staining. Thus, by making the teeth appear brighter, white stains cannot be seen anymore.

Low Chemical Content

Many charcoal toothpastes are marketed as naturals which can present an alternative to whitening products that contain lots of chemicals. Anyone who is interested in using more natural or less processed items in their personal care may find this appealing.

Possible Antibacterial Effects

Some studies indicated that activated charcoal does exhibit antibacterial effects and can therefore be effective in oral pathogen depletion. Further research is, therefore, necessary to confirm these results and understand their impacts in more extended periods on oral health.

View More: Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Ear Pain

Risks and Disadvantages of Charcoal Toothpaste

Abrasiveness

As mentioned earlier, charcoal toothpaste may easily wear away the enamel layer. Most of the charcoal toothpaste brands have not been endorsed by the American Dental Association due to some occupying abrasive nature. They claimed that frequent use of charcoal toothpaste removes the outer layer of our teeth, which is harmless and can lead to new tooth sensitivity, yellow tint and decay.

Lack of Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral required to build up enamel which prevents tooth decay though lacks in most charcoal toothpastes. An individual might have chances of higher tooth decay when using non-fluoride toothpaste since it forms part of essential oral health through usually, if this is the sole use of charcoal toothpaste.

Staining and Debris

It is even ironic that charcoal toothpaste may sometimes stain teeth more than it is intended to clean them less. Teeth may appear darker instead of lighter if black particles in charcoal toothpaste find their way into microscopic cracks and fissures. Moreover, some customers complain that it is also hard to remove completely the black residue in their tongues, which can be rather unappealing.

Possible Damage to Dental Repairs

Some of the dental restorations that might be negatively impacted by charcoal toothpaste include crowns, veneers, and fillings. Eventually, their lifespan might be shortened because of abrasiveness while expensive repairs may be required.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Effective?

The scientific research base supporting the safety and efficacy of charcoal toothpaste is very small and conflicting. Charcoal may have mild antibacterial properties, as well as the potential to adsorb various impurities, but there isn't much evidence to support its effectiveness in whitening or using it as a substitute for standard fluoride-based toothpaste.

For example, a 2019 review of evidence on charcoal toothpaste published in the British Dental Journal concluded that there was insufficient evidence for their long-term safety or efficacy. Researchers reported that charcoal toothpastes generally were not supplemented with fluoride and were also abrasive.

Another study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2017 raised concerns for the enamel that could be damaged if charcoal toothpaste is used daily. The scientists suggested that though charcoal will give a whitening effect in the short term through the elimination of surface stains, it has very slight chance of offering long-term benefits.

Recommendations by Dentists

Most dentists advise caution when using charcoal toothpaste. Indeed, they usually advise against applying it every day due to the risk of enamel degeneration as well as a lack of fluoride, even though it could be used from time to time for a temporary time span if the desire is to have whitening done. Currently, none of the charcoal toothpaste products has been accredited by ADA with a Seal of Acceptance which means that the safety and efficacy needed for the product has not been achieved.

It is stated that toothpastes containing Fluoride reduce cavities and promote oral hygiene; the American Dental Association demands them. Charcoal toothpaste needs to be discussed with your dentist before utilization. They can give you personalized advice based on the specific needs of your teeth and gums.

Conclusion

It comes with risks, but charcoal toothpaste could be a great way for anyone who is interested in seeing some natural whitening of the teeth. Because fluoride is an important agent in the prevention of tooth decay, most charcoal toothpaste formulas have omitted the substance, and the abrasive quality of the charcoal itself can also be dangerous as it tends to erode your enamel. Whiter teeth may temporarily be achieved with charcoal toothpaste, but the general improvement is probably not going to be sustained long term.

Professional dental whitening treatments as well as fluoride-based whitening toothpaste are safer and more effective for consumers who want to whiten their teeth. If your teeth are sensitive, you have dental restorations, or you already suffer from enamel wear, before using any products containing charcoal toothpaste, among others, you have to consult a dentist.

Please book an appointment with the best Dentist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.