Charcoal toothpaste is one of the trending topics in beauty these days, but why? You’ve likely seen it on social media, the use of activated charcoal in face masks, as supplements and even as toothpaste! It’s all due to its detoxification properties. However, just like many home remedies, there are skeptics and proponents. Let’s take a look at both sides and end with the recommendation from the American Dental Association.
The Benefits of Charcoal Toothpaste
Brushing your teeth with charcoal toothpaste is a fad because the people who have tried it say it is effective, however there isn’t a specific measure of how long it took to see results or how much whiter their smiles became. Others believe it removes stains on teeth and bacteria from their mouths. The charcoal toothpaste makers claim it removes discoloration without bleaching.
But, that’s where it ends. According to WebMD, charcoal is best when administered by medical personnel to reduce the effects of poisoning or overdose. “When you take activated charcoal, drugs and toxins can bind to it. This helps rid the body of unwanted substances.” Source: WebMD Activated Charcoal
The Risks of Brushing with Charcoal Toothpaste
Not only do you risk overdose, several other risks of using charcoal toothpaste have been brought forward. The biggest concerns include:
Abrasiveness. Used regularly charcoal can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.
Over-absorption. Charcoal may absorb beneficial items such as needed medications.
Constipation. Intestinal blockages and constipation can be a result of long term use of charcoal, in addition to black stools and a discolored tongue.
After effects. Even those who love charcoal toothpaste report needing to use regular toothpaste after a charcoal treatment to rinse it away and give fresh breath, otherwise a black residue may remain
No fluoride. Charcoal toothpaste can’t be used in place of regular toothpaste as it doesn’t contain the necessary component of fluoride, which fights dental decay. “Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and can cut tooth decay by up to 40 percent.” Source: Daily Burn
Unknown safety. There are few studies on the benefits of charcoal as a dietary supplement, so both short and long-term effects are unknown.
Unknown effectiveness. Charcoal’s whitening effect is largely speculative. There have been no scientifically accepted studies that confirm charcoal’s whitening claims.
The American Dental Association’s View
For a whiter, brighter smile, the ADA suggests avoiding staining foods such as wine, coffee, tea and tobacco products. They also recommend brushing your teeth twice a day for two full minutes with whitening toothpaste that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance and flossing daily. Regularly scheduled visits to your dentist to perform cleanings, and to discuss in-office teeth whitening processes will also support your healthy, and white smile.
Is it Safe to Use Activated Charcoal with Braces?
Wanting to eliminate chemicals, some people have gone back to basics using ingredients their ancestors used for personal hygiene, cleaning and cooking.
We’ve used activated charcoal for medical and cosmetic purposes for many years. In more recent years, it has experienced a surge in popularity as a teeth whitening product. But is it suitable to use if you have braces?
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal, also known as activated carbon, is a fine black powder derived from various carbonaceous materials such as coal, wood, or coconut shells. It undergoes a process called activation, which involves heating the material to a high temperature in the presence of an activating agent, usually steam or chemicals, to create a highly porous structure.
The activation process increases the surface area of the charcoal, making it highly adsorbent. Adsorption is a process in which substances adhere to the surface of another material. Activated charcoal has a large number of tiny pores and a vast internal surface area, which allows it to trap and bind a wide range of organic and inorganic compounds.
Activated charcoal is commonly used for its adsorption properties in various applications, including:
- Medical and Poison Control: It is used in emergency situations to treat certain types of poisoning or drug overdoses. The porous structure of activated charcoal helps bind and remove toxins or drugs from the digestive tract before they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
- Water Filtration: Activated charcoal is used in water treatment systems and filters to remove impurities, chemicals, odors, and contaminants. It can effectively adsorb organic compounds, chlorine, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and some heavy metals.
- Air Purification: Activated charcoal is used in air purifiers, masks, and respirators to remove pollutants, odors, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. It helps improve indoor air quality by adsorbing harmful substances.
- Digestive Health: Some people use activated charcoal as a dietary supplement or in detoxifying cleanses. It is believed to help alleviate gas, bloating, and symptoms of indigestion by adsorbing toxins and reducing intestinal gas.
- Skincare Products: Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient in skincare products such as face masks, cleansers, and soaps. It is believed to help draw out impurities, excess oil, and toxins from the skin, providing a deep cleansing effect.
It’s important to note that activated charcoal should be used with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional when used for medical purposes. It can interfere with the absorption of certain medications and should not be used in cases of ingestion of corrosive substances, petroleum-based products, or strong acids and alkalis.
Medical Uses for Activated Charcoal
Some of the earliest uses of activated charcoal was to treat poisonings in the early 1800s. One of its most important roles is to treat medicinal drug overdoses. Activated charcoal isn’t absorbed by the body, so the toxins and charcoal leave the body through faeces.
A bright white smile and a healthy mouth begin with your good oral care habits and your dentist working together to achieve your goals. For a beautiful smile, contact a dentist online to make an appointment today!