Dental professional opinion on Charcoal toothpaste

Charcoal is in vogue of late, flooding personal care products market from face washes, shampoos, and even toothpaste and tooth powders. Often, charcoal products are packaged and marketed as “eco-friendly,” “natural,” “anti-bacterial,” or “anti-fungal” causing a misconception among people that such products are good for not only them but also the environment. Does charcoal in toothpaste work? But first, why is charcoal used in our products, including oral care such as toothpaste? Charcoal is nothing but black carbon, or the ash formed when burning wood, bone, or other organic matter such as coconut shells. Charcoal is activated when exposed to high temperatures that expand its surface area, causing tiny ridges to form on its surface. These tiny ridges give the charcoal a large surface area, which is great for binding to the toxins inside our body. The toxin binding property is why charcoal is used in everything from our drinks to pills and marketed as an effective detoxifier. The reality is just the opposite. The logic that if charcoal can bind to and remove the toxins in our body, then maybe it could also remove stains on our teeth and whiten them. What are the best dental practices for white and healthy teeth? As a General & family dentist in Palo Alto, I encourage all my patients to stick to regular toothpaste over charcoal toothpaste. Fluoride is what matters most as research proves that brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay and cavities. It’s best to keep your oral care routine simple. - Brush for two minutes, twice a day - Be mindful of what goes on in your mouthrn- Floss daily - We recommend using an electric toothbrush. If you don’t have an electric toothbrush then change your brush every 3-4 monthsrn- Visit your dentist every six months Final Thoughts Charcoal toothpaste may be touted as a magical tooth whitener, but these products can damage tooth enamel and increase cavities. If you’re still interested in trying out charcoal products for dental health, discuss all the pros and cons and consult your dentist.