Every now and then, an “all-natural” or “organic” trend will pop up telling you how to take care of your smile. In the past few years, charcoal toothpaste has taken the world by storm, being advertised by big names like Crest and Colgate. These companies market charcoal products as whitening toothpastes that brighten your smile over time. However, the effectiveness of charcoal as a whitening agent has come into question recently, as the American Dental Association (ADA) hasn’t approved it for safe and effective usage. So, if big brands are promoting it, but the ADA hasn’t approved it, is charcoal toothpaste safe to use?
Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Charcoal Toothpaste
The charcoal in charcoal toothpaste is activated, meaning it’s been heated to extreme temperatures to increase its surface area and absorbency. In toothpaste, this highly porous substance absorbs the stains on your teeth, leaving them whiter than before.
Most charcoal toothpastes claim to be more effective than regular toothpastes, removing 90% more surface stains. But how is this possible?
In addition to its high porosity, charcoal is abrasive in nature, scraping the stains from the surface of your teeth. When removing your stained enamel, this toothpaste reveals the whiter enamel underneath, giving your smile a visible shine! In most cases, it only takes one brush for two minutes to notice a difference in the color of your smile.
However, its whitening effect comes with a price.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe to Use?
The ADA only approves toothpastes that meet specific criteria. For one, they must contain fluoride, a natural chemical that helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. Unfortunately, most charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride.
Another factor the ADA considers in a toothpaste is its relative dentin abrasivity. This measurement assesses a toothpaste’s abrasive nature, or its ability to remove plaque and stains through physical scrubbing of the teeth. Using the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale, they’re able to assess how much enamel a toothpaste removes, and how safe it is for your smile.
Any toothpaste with a score of 250 RDA or below is considered safe and effective. The ADA will not approve any toothpaste with an RDA above 250. While there is no official score for charcoal toothpaste, it’s believed to be highly abrasive.
When removing the stains from your teeth, charcoal also removes layers of your enamel. Unfortunately, enamel doesn’t grow back, so with every use, your smile will have less and less of this protective layer.
Additionally, underneath your enamel lies a yellowish and sensitive dentin. The more you use charcoal toothpaste, the more your dentin is exposed, giving your smile a yellow tint and increasing your sensitivity to cold and hot foods.
How To Care for Your Smile
At East Longmeadow Family Dental Center, we do not recommend using charcoal toothpaste, especially for everyday use.
Due to its abrasive nature and the potential endangerment of your smile’s enamel, we recommend skipping the charcoal portion of your oral health routine. However, even if you decide to use charcoal toothpaste, we recommend continuing with your regular dental care as well!
Caring for your smile is incredibly important, and following these three steps helps keep your smile healthy and strong.
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristle brush and a less abrasive ADA-approved toothpaste. We recommend brushing gently twice a day for at least 2 minutes, and using an electric toothbrush if possible to do most of the work for you.
- Floss regularly to ensure the small spaces between your teeth are clean. Food and debris can stick between our teeth, potentially increasing the risk of oral infection. Flossing or using a water flosser helps ensure your smile remains clean and healthy.
- Visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine dental appointments. During these check-ups, we provide professional cleanings that keep your smile healthy. Additionally, check-ups allow us to detect problems early before they spread, like gum disease or cavities. Without these regular appointments to maintain your oral hygiene, your next dental visit could be an emergency.
Take Care of Your Smile at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center
Due to its highly abrasive nature and the effect it has on your enamel, we recommend avoiding charcoal toothpaste. Instead, keep up with your regular hygiene routine and regular dental visits to keep your smile happy and healthy.
To start on your journey to a brighter and healthier smile, book an appointment at East Longmeadow Family Dental Center today!
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