Charcoal toothpaste may be something you’ve only recently noticed on grocery store shelves. Though it’s relatively new to American consumers, charcoal toothpaste has been around since Roman times. While there is still plenty of research ahead for its benefits, many people find that charcoal toothpaste is worth a try.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is most known for its ability to absorb and trap toxic chemicals. This is why it is frequently used as part of the standard treatment for accidental poisonings.
Activated charcoal is created for medical purposes by heating regular charcoal in the presence of a gas, causing it to become more porous.
Some claim activated charcoal can alleviate flatulence, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent hangovers. Overall, there still isn’t enough evidence for the effectiveness in these cases. But what about charcoal toothpaste? Does charcoal teeth whitening work?
What Does Charcoal Toothpaste Do?
Charcoal toothpaste is usually black. The look might be unusual, but there’s no need for alarm. The charcoal incorporated into the paste is closer to the soft consistency of baking soda. Many charcoal toothpastes also contain flavoring agents, just like any other whitening toothpaste.
Using charcoal as a teeth-cleaning method has been around for centuries, going all the way back to the ancient Romans. Charcoal was also used in a toothpaste recipe in 19th century England. Recently, there has been a resurgence of charcoal-based kinds of toothpaste with claims of whitening, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and breath freshening properties.
While charcoal toothpaste could have these benefits, what most charcoal toothpastes lack is fluoride. That could leave you prone to potential tooth decay. If you’re going to try charcoal toothpaste, you might want to include a fluoride rinse to help keep your enamel strong.
Talk with your dentist if charcoal toothpaste could benefit you. Your dentist will be happy to know that you’re interested in changing up your dental care routine and can help make further suggestions that will most benefit your oral care needs. Of course, whatever kind of toothpaste you’re using, regular checkups with your dentist are a must. ASBA has Dental Plans that provide access to thousands of dentists nationwide and coverage on everything from routine cleanings to procedures like fillings, root canals, and more. Sign up now.
