Adding charcoal to personal health and beauty products is the “fad” that has been around for millennia. Ancient civilizations relied on charcoal to purify their water, cleanse their bodies, and heal disease. With this ancient ingredient now being added to facial masks, soaps, lotions and acne treatments, there is validity in charcoal’s claims. Yet when it comes to your teeth, are you ready for charcoal? If you are intrigued by the claims charcoal dental products serve up, you’re not alone. Millions of people the world over use charcoal as part of their dental care routine. But just because it’s been around for a long time and becoming increasingly popular, you may still be wondering if charcoal can help your teeth. Let’s take a look.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Before anything, know that the charcoal used in health and beauty products is not the kind you scrape off your grill. Rather, it’s called “activated charcoal,” meaning that the charcoal is intensely heated with gas, increasing the number and size of pores that are able to absorb chemicals and other impurities. This activated charcoal has many uses – from mitigating the dangerous effects of a drug overdose to pulling blackheads from their pores. It is also quite effective for use in oral hygiene.
What are Its Benefits for the Teeth?
When it comes to dental care, activated charcoal has been proven effective for whitening teeth, removing plaque and freshening breath. With regard to whitening teeth and removing plaque, activated charcoal does this by grabbing, binding with and even absorbing toxins and other impurities in your mouth. By removing dangerous plaque and other bacteria, as well as tiny particle of food that may be stuck in your teeth, activated charcoal products can be quite effective as part of your oral care regime for brushing, whitening, and refreshing.
No Substitute for Your Daily Brand
While many people swear by activated charcoal, it isn’t completely free of risk. That’s why dentists recommend you continue to rely on your regular, fluoridated toothpaste daily, while using charcoal products sparingly. Why? Simply put, charcoal can be quite abrasive. Brushing or rubbing it too hard on your teeth can cause the enamel to wear down, which may over time reveal the dentin, which is yellowish in color. Continued frequent or aggressive use may lead to further complications such as tooth sensitivity and cavities as the protective enamel gets worn away. Another concern is that overuse of charcoal products can result in stained gums and tongue, even leading to pigmentation over time. If you have sensitive teeth or receding gums, the charcoal may agitate the exposed root. Finally, be wary not to ingest the product, as charcoal’s natural absorbing properties have been known to interfere with certain medications.
The Brightest Smiles in Henderson
Beautiful white teeth are a joy to behold. While charcoal toothpastes and other oral care products have their advantages, used improperly they can do more harm than good. That’s why it’s best to leave whitening to the professionals. At Dedicated Dental Care in Henderson, Nevada, Dr. Bui and Dr. Nguyen and their wonderful staff will ensure you and your family get the exceptional dental care you deserve. Call (702) 566-5509 to speak with one of our friendly office staff today or request an appointment online!
