Should I Use Charcoal Toothpaste? – A Comprehensive Guide
Table of Contents
- Should I Use Charcoal Toothpaste?
- Why Shouldn't I Use Charcoal Toothpaste?
- What Are the Dangers of Charcoal Toothpaste?
- Alternatives to Charcoal Toothpaste
Should I Use Charcoal Toothpaste?
Absolutely not! There are other options to whiten your teeth and charcoal toothpaste can irreversibly remove your enamel and stain composite (tooth-colored) fillings due to the dark color of the toothpaste. Charcoal toothpaste is a new marketing ploy to make you believe that it works better than other toothpastes to whiten your teeth. Not only is this not true based on evidence from scientific studies, but also it can be causing irreversible damage to your teeth that will lead to your teeth becoming more yellow as you remove the white enamel covering on your teeth.
Why Shouldn't I Use Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste is not a good option for whitening your teeth. In fact, it can be harmful to your teeth.
Here are some reasons why you should not use charcoal toothpaste:
- It is abrasive. Charcoal toothpaste is made with activated charcoal, which is a fine powder that can scratch your teeth. This can wear away the enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth.
- It does not whiten teeth. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that charcoal toothpaste can whiten teeth. In fact, some studies have shown that it can actually make teeth more yellow.
- It can stain teeth. The dark color of charcoal toothpaste can stain your teeth, especially if you have composite (tooth-colored) fillings.
- It can be harmful to your gums. The abrasiveness of charcoal toothpaste can also irritate your gums.
What Are the Dangers of Charcoal Toothpaste?
Here are some statistics about the dangers of charcoal toothpaste:
- A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that charcoal toothpaste can wear away the enamel on teeth by up to 10%.
- Another study, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, found that charcoal toothpaste can stain composite fillings.
- A third study, published in the Journal of Dental Research, found that charcoal toothpaste can irritate gums.
It is important to note that charcoal toothpaste is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that there is no guarantee of its safety or effectiveness. If you are considering using charcoal toothpaste, it is important to talk to your dentist first.
Alternatives to Charcoal Toothpaste
There are several safer alternatives to charcoal toothpaste. Some of them include:
- Colgate Optic White Pro Series Whitening Toothpaste: This toothpaste is formulated with hydrogen peroxide and abrasives to provide a double-whammy whitening effect. It is also ADA-approved, which means that it has been clinically proven to be safe and effective.
- Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste: This toothpaste is another popular choice for whitening teeth. It contains micro-abrasives that help to remove surface stains, as well as fluoride to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities.
- Sensodyne Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste: This toothpaste is a good option for people with sensitive teeth. It contains fluoride to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities, as well as hydroxyapatite, a mineral that helps to remineralize tooth enamel.
- Arm & Hammer Advance White Baking Soda & Peroxide Toothpaste: This toothpaste is a good choice for people who want a natural whitening option. It contains baking soda, which is a mild abrasive that helps to remove surface stains, as well as peroxide, which helps to whiten teeth over time.
- Marvis Whitening Mint Toothpaste: This toothpaste is a popular choice among dentists and celebrities. It is formulated with a blend of natural ingredients, including peppermint oil, baking soda, and calcium carbonate, which help to whiten teeth and freshen breath.
These are just a few of the many alternatives to charcoal toothpaste. Talk to your dentist to find the best whitening option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Toothpaste
The following are frequently asked questions about toothpaste. It doesn't matter if you have sensitive teeth, need whitening, want to use charcoal, or even are looking for the best toothpaste for your dog or elephant. You can find answers here!
- What is the best toothpaste?
- What is the best whitening toothpaste?
- What is the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth?
- Does toothpaste expire?
- What fluoride free toothpaste is recommended?
- What is Hello toothpaste?
- What is Boka toothpaste?
- What is Bite toothpaste?
- What is RiseWell toothpaste?
- What is Georganics toothpaste?
- What is Elephant toothpaste?
- What are some options for dog toothpaste?
- Is fluoridated toothpaste bad for you?
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.