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Charcoal toothpaste is gaining traction as one of the hottest health and wellness trends of the day. Recent advertisements on social media, including one by Kendall Jenner, promote several dental health products including toothpastes that contain it. If you’re considering charcoal toothpaste, it pays to learn the pros and cons. For more details, please see the following sections.
Charcoal Toothpaste: What Is It?
Activated charcoal is a form of carbon that’s been treated so that its surface particles are porous, and toothpaste is a Private Label Charcoal Toothpaste. When the charcoal is rinsed off, the nooks and crannies act as powerful magnets, attracting and absorbing particles, which are then washed away. A toothpaste with activated charcoal is marketed as a great way to reduce bacteria and tartar, thus whitening the teeth and freshening the breath.
Differences between extrinsic and intrinsic stains
For understanding the limitations of charcoal toothpaste, one must understand the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic stains. In contrast to intrinsic stains, extrinsic stains exist on top of the enamel, above the tooth’s surface. Tobacco, red wine, and coffee are among the things that cause them. By contrast, intrinsic stains are found within the tooth’s enamel layer itself. Symptoms of weak enamel, trauma and certain medications often cause these dark spots.
Advantages of Using Charcoal Toothpaste
Using charcoal toothpaste has a number of potential advantages, including:
Breath fresheners:
These toothpastes contain activated carbon, which may help to freshen breath because it attracts food particles and plaque. Despite this, it isn’t any more effective than regular toothpaste.
You can use it to eliminate external stains:
Charcoal acts as a mild abrasive. In this way, it may assist in removing surface stains during brushing. When toothpaste is rinsed out of the mouth, it is also washed away because of its absorbent property.
Medicines are unlikely to be affected:
When activated charcoal toothpaste is used, medications are unlikely to be affected. When activated charcoal comes in prolonged contact with medications in the digestive tract, it tends to have the effect of reducing their effects on medications. You should not have to worry in this regard if you rinse such toothpaste away rather than swallow it after use.
Disadvantages of Charcoal Toothpaste
Charcoal toothpaste has a few potential downsides, including:
Serious safety concerns
have been raised about charcoal and charcoal toothpastes, advising dentists to warn their patients concerning the use of charcoal toothpastes. Using these products regularly, however, could result in long-term effects, which are still being researched.
Charcoal is too abrasive for everyday use:
Charcoal’s abrasive properties make it unsuitable for everyday use, even though it is said to be excellent at removing surface stains. The enamel on the teeth can be eroded by such toothpastes when used daily. As a result, the calcified yellow dentin underneath the enamel is exposed, causing the teeth to appear yellow. A sensitive mouth can also result from it.
Dentists recommend toothpaste that contains fluoride, which is proven to preserve and strengthen the enamel of teeth. Typical toothpastes do not usually contain fluoride. In keeping teeth healthy, enamel is crucial, since it prevents decay and cavities. Moreover, some research indicates that charcoal toothpaste can lead to increased tooth decay.
How to safely use charcoal toothpaste
If you are still thinking about trying charcoal toothpaste, be sure to use it properly. In the first place, you shouldn’t use it instead of regular fluoride toothpaste. Do not use it as a replacement for your regular dental care routine, but as an add-on occasionally. After brushing your teeth with charcoal toothpaste, rinse your mouth thoroughly to counteract its abrasive effects. In case you have dental restorations, proceed with caution since charcoal can build up and cause unsightly stains around them.
See here – Using a Charcoal Toothpaste