Many online and department stores carry charcoal toothpaste and promise consumers that this product will result in bright, white teeth. This dialogue has also grown in popularity on social media and in many advertisements, but using charcoal daily to clean your teeth may not be the solution to teeth discoloration and is harmful to your dental and oral health.
What is Charcoal?
Charcoal is a black carbon created through burning organic materials, and it becomes activated when burned at very high temperatures. Activated charcoal is more porous and is very effective for absorbing materials, hence its use in treating people who ingest toxic substances as it carries the toxins out of the body.
This line of thinking is why activated charcoal exploded in popularity as toothpaste, with many producers claiming that the charcoal will absorb the foods and other contributors to teeth discoloration. However, American Dental Association hasn’t found evidence that charcoal toothpaste is effective or safe. In reality, daily use of charcoal toothpaste may be doing more harm than good.
How Charcoal Toothpaste Hurts Your Teeth
Daily use of charcoal toothpaste can wear down the protective enamel of your teeth, which can increase tooth sensitivity. The coarse material can also wear down restorative crowns, bridges, and veneers. Also, because most charcoal toothpaste brands do not contain fluoride, you are more susceptible to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. The particles found in charcoal can also accumulate on the teeth, leaving behind black residue after brushing.
KöR Whitening
Instead of using charcoal toothpaste, the best way to keep your teeth healthy and bright is with healthy oral habits, like brushing or professional whitening treatments. At Chicago Veneers, we use the KöR Whitening treatment, the best whitening technology.
The KöR Whitening system provides patients with 6-10 hours of whitening activity and vibrant results. KöR Whitening treatments can be performed at our office or in an easy-to-use take-home portion for your convenience.
To learn more about how the KöR Whitening system can give you a healthy and beautiful smile, call us today at (312) 435-0411!
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