Charcoal toothpaste has grown in popularity as part of the natural oral care trend, with many people drawn to its ability to whiten teeth and clean deeply. With so many products on the market, you may be interested in this newer addition to the shelf. But before you grab a new tube, it is important to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of incorporating charcoal toothpaste into your routine.
If you are considering investing in a new toothpaste and you have considered using a charcoal-based product, keep reading to learn more about whether it is best for your smile.
What is Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste contains activated charcoal, a popular ingredient in skincare or oral hygiene products designed to absorb toxins and impurities. You may find yourself drawn to charcoal when shopping for new oral hygiene products. But does it have the ability to properly care for your teeth and address any concerns you may have about your smile?
The Pros of Charcoal Toothpaste
1. May Help Address Surface Stains
If you have minor surface stains on your teeth, such as stains from food and beverages, charcoal toothpaste may help you address them. The charcoal can trap the particles that cause stains on your teeth. Whether you enjoy drinking tea and coffee or eating deep, rich-colored fruits and vegetables, this toothpaste may be able to help.
2. Great at Freshening Breath
Dealing with chronic bad breath can be frustrating and embarrassing for some dental patients. By incorporating charcoal toothpaste into your everyday oral hygiene routine, you can trust that it will absorb the bacteria that cause bad breath, helping you tackle this chronic problem.
3. Removes Harmful Bacteria
The bacteria in your mouth isn’t just responsible for your bad breath. It is also the cause of cavities, advanced tooth decay, and tooth loss. Charcoal’s absorbing properties make it the perfect addition to your mouth if you’ve dealt with these problems in the past and you’d like to avoid recurring oral infections and illness.
4. Natural Ingredients
For dental patients who prefer using more natural products, charcoal toothpaste may be incredibly appealing. These toothpastes often include far fewer artificial ingredients than their counterparts, making it an easy choice for some dental patients.
The Cons of Charcoal Toothpaste
1. More Abrasive Than Standard Toothpaste
One major problem with using these toothpastes every day is that they are often far more abrasive than other toothpastes. This abrasion can be especially harmful to patients with weak enamel, sensitive teeth, or cavities, as weakened and worn enamel does not grow back and can exacerbate existing problems.
2. No Fluoride
While you may be weary of using fluoride-based products, it is an essential part of a strong oral hygiene routine. Without enough fluoride in your care routine, you may become more susceptible to cavity development, root canals, and tooth loss. If you want to avoid increasing dental care bills, this may make charcoal toothpaste unappealing.
3. Not the Best Whitening Option
Some dental patients may consider using charcoal toothpaste if they want to whiten their teeth. While it can provide some stain removal, it isn’t the best whitening product on the market. Typically, professional whitening services provide better lightening results, making it a better investment in the appearance of your smile.
4. Limited Information on Efficacy
Charcoal toothpaste is a more modern addition to oral hygiene. As a newer oral hygiene product, there isn’t currently enough scientific data to back any of the claims made by manufacturers. If you want to use a reliable product, other toothpastes may be a better choice for your routine.
Should You Use This Toothpaste?
While you may want to incorporate charcoal toothpaste into your daily oral care routine, it is best to avoid this and instead use fluoride-rich toothpaste. Fluoride helps remineralize your teeth, which is especially important for individuals with fragile teeth. The abrasive natural of charcoal products can lead to more damage to your smile over time than you realize, making the well-researched fluoride-based products a better choice for your health and well-being in the long term.
Your Teeth Whitening Expert in Mills River, NC
Although there are many teeth whitening products on the market, nothing will ever compare to a professional teeth whitening service. With professional-grade products and care from a trained and licensed professional, you can trust that you’ll achieve the level of whitening you’ve been dreaming of. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in the Mills River, NC, area to help you achieve the white smile of your dreams, turn to Mills River Family Dental.
With decades of experience helping patients across the Mills River area and beyond achieve the smile of their dreams, we’re confident we can do the same for you. From professional whitening to veneers, orthodontic services, dentures, and more, we have the perfect service to deliver your most beautiful smile. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team to discuss cosmetic dentistry, chronic bad breath, or a combination of dental concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us today.