Charcoal is just one of many natural remedies out there – it is used in face scrubs, face masks, and shampoo, among other things. It is also used in toothpaste. Natural products are very popular and you may be wondering if you should add charcoal toothpaste to your oral health care routine.
What is charcoal toothpaste made of?
The term “charcoal” may be misleading – this isn’t the kind of charcoal you use in your barbecue. It is actually made of activated charcoal, a fine powder made of natural materials like wood and coconut shells.
Many people swear that charcoal toothpaste helps them to get rid of surface stains on their teeth to keep them looking white and then prevents further staining, and it can even help to improve bad breath. However, there is no real evidence that charcoal toothpaste really has these benefits.
In fact, there are several “cons” to using charcoal toothpaste. For one, researchers aren’t exactly sure yet what the long-term effects of using charcoal toothpaste might be, and they aren’t sure how charcoal toothpaste might affect restorations such as bridges and veneers. Charcoal toothpaste is also abrasive, which means it can wear down your enamel and make your teeth sensitive. When tooth enamel becomes worn down, dentin is exposed, which may make your teeth look even more dingy because of its yellowish color. Another disadvantage of charcoal toothpaste is that most brands do not have fluoride in them, which helps to protect your teeth from decay.
If you are concerned about your teeth not looking white enough, there are other natural remedies you can try, such as hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and apple cider vinegar. However, these can take a long time to show any real difference. You can always ask your dentist about tooth whitening treatments, and make sure to tell him or her if you are having trouble finding a toothpaste that you are happy using.
You should always share any changes in your oral health care routine with your dentist, to make sure your teeth stay healthy. Contact Hampton Dental Associates in Milwaukee for an appointment. Call (414) 464-9021 today!
