
Feb
Believe it or not, charcoal toothpaste isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s been around since Roman times when ancient Romans would use charcoal powder to help keep their teeth clean. It’s now being used with a more modern purpose.
Charcoal is activated to be much more porous, making it adsorptive. According to dictionary.com adsorptive means to gather (a gas, liquid, or dissolved substance) on a surface in a condensed layer. For toothpaste, this means the charcoal works to stick to the surface of something and effectively remove it. Basically, charcoal toothpaste is designed to whiten teeth by lifting stains.
Fearful of damaging the enamel, there are several skeptics of charcoal toothpaste that hesitate to endorse the toothpaste without the backing of the ADA or the FDA.
The American Dental Association has provided research regarding charcoal products. According to a summary from one journal in 2017, dental clinicians should advise their patients to be cautious when using charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices with unproven claims of efficacy and safety.
There is no evidence that shows dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth, according to the September 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Furthermore, there are other articles from the ADA, like this one, that highlight the pros and cons of natural teeth whitening. There are many falsehoods behind at-home whitening methods. Namely, the ADA recommends using a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance that won’t damage your teeth and is safe and effective.
Before you start any DIY dental treatment, it’s important to speak with your dentist about the potential risks and benefits. Not everything on social media is as effective as it may seem.
If you have questions about which option is best for you, contact us at Dreamtime Dentistry. We are happy to assist. Looking to get started with a professional cosmetic tooth whitening, schedule an appointment today! We make dentistry possible for everyone despite phobia or anxiety while putting a smile on your face.