One of the latest and most enduring trends in dental care is charcoal toothpaste, which uses activated charcoal as a key ingredient, promising to remove stains, eliminate toxins, and leave your teeth whiter than ever. However, as any dentist will tell you, there are reasons to be cautious of miraculous claims, and charcoal toothpaste has more than a few negatives. Consider the list below to see some of the main reasons why charcoal toothpaste isn’t ideal for your dental care.

Why Should You Avoid Charcoal Toothpaste?

1. Wears Down Tooth Enamel

Charcoal toothpaste’s main claim to fame is its ability to whiten teeth, and you may even see some apparent evidence of this early on in its use. However, charcoal itself is a powder made up of tiny particles, and the way it whitens teeth is by abrading the enamel, the crucial outer layer of the tooth that protects the core. This can cause your teeth to be uncomfortably sensitive, and, if used too much, it can strip away enamel, which can’t be restored.

2. Abrasive on Soft Tissue

Just as charcoal can break down a tough substance like enamel, it can also wear down your gums and irritate any ulcers or cuts. Apart from the chemical content of charcoal, which includes wood, coconut shell, and other substances that can irritate soft tissue, its abrasiveness can gradually degrade the health and size of gums. This will leave roots exposed and your teeth vulnerable.

3. Unproven Facts and Claims

The most important thing to know about charcoal toothpaste, at this time, is that its claimed benefits are unproven and unknown. What little study has been done on these products shows that it’s unlikely to provide any long-term benefit. Not even its supposed teeth-whitening properties have been proven by any dentist or researcher to hold up longer than whitening agents like blue covarine or hydrogen peroxide. While this doesn’t necessarily mean charcoal is dangerous, it does mean that there are better options out there for whitening, cleaning, and strengthening teeth while protecting your gums.

If you have questions about your dental health or you’re in need of a great dentist, contact Bethel Family Dentistry in Bethel, Ohio. Known as Dr. Minarchek’s office, this dental practice is trusted by locals to provide outstanding compassionate dental care with the latest techniques and technology in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. To find out more about how they can help or to schedule an appointment, call 513-734-2029.