Who wouldn’t want their teeth a little whiter, right? There are many ways to whiten your teeth, whether it be a home remedy or a whitening procedure in your dental office. However, it is important to research your remedy before diving in head-first. The newest trend in teeth whitening is a charcoal toothpaste or powder. Sounds interesting! As always, be sure to consult your dentist before incorporating anything new into your oral hygiene routine.
What does charcoal do to your teeth?
This product is built with what is called “activated charcoal.” The charcoal in particular brands of toothpaste or powder acts as a plaque-fighter for your teeth. The minerals in charcoal are very porous and easily attach to the plaque and yellow stains on your teeth, taking the stains away when you rinse with water.
This charcoal is not a cure-all to your plaque and yellow stains, but it does help Charcoal treats the outermost stains on your teeth. If you have built-up stains and plaque, a stronger, professional whitening treatment might be recommended if you’re looking for that pearly white finish! But if you’re simply looking for a whiter smile for a night out, charcoal may be a great option.
Is this safe for my oral hygiene?
With all new trends, there are some things that you should be aware of. Charcoal is a very strong mineral, meaning it can be harmful to your teeth’s enamel. If you overuse any charcoal product, whether it be a toothpaste or a powder, your teeth will suffer.
When using a charcoal product, it is very important to lightly brush your teeth, do not scrub or scrape. If applied too aggressively, your teeth will quickly lose their enamel. Enamel is not something that comes back once it’s lost, so it’s very important to take care of it.
Don’t overdo it!
In addition to gentle application, it is crucial to not overuse. Whitening your teeth on occasion is perfectly fine! However, too much of anything can be harmful. Limit your charcoal treatments to once every other week. Even if your teeth feel fine, the damage is not always visible to the naked eye. Keep up with regular brushings, and throw in the charcoal on occasion if you’re looking for that extra sparkle!
Contact Dr. Sara and her team at Pinnacle Peak Family Dentistry to learn more about how you can incorporate charcoal toothpaste into your dental hygiene!
