Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste - Bad for teeth? Does it work? Dentist Review.

Summary

In this video, Dr. Serve Evil Fanny, a dentist and founder of Tooth Fairy Dental Clinic, discusses the pros and cons of using activated charcoal-containing whitening toothpaste. She explains that while activated charcoal is known for its toxin-absorbing properties, it can be abrasive and may cause dental sensitivity or damage to the enamel. Additionally, charcoal toothpaste often lacks fluoride, which is crucial for cavity protection. Dr. Fanny advises caution when using such toothpaste and suggests that it may not be the best choice for long-term oral health, especially if the teeth surface is already rough.

Takeaways

• 😀 Activated charcoal is commonly found in whitening toothpaste, and it has both medical and cosmetic uses.
• 😀 The primary benefit of activated charcoal is its ability to absorb toxins, which is why it is used in some toothpaste formulations.
• 😀 Activated charcoal toothpaste helps to reduce bad breath by absorbing the toxins responsible for it.
• 😀 It may cause damage to the tooth surface, as it is abrasive and could potentially contribute to enamel wear over time.
• 😀 Charcoal toothpaste is often marketed as a teeth-whitening solution, though its effectiveness is debated.
• 😀 It is important to be cautious when using charcoal toothpaste, as it could cause sensitivity or exacerbate existing tooth damage.
• 😀 Many charcoal-containing toothpaste products lack fluoride, which helps prevent cavities, potentially making them less effective in terms of oral health protection.
• 😀 Charcoal toothpaste may cause gray particles to remain on the teeth, potentially leading to a dull or discolored appearance if not used carefully.
• 😀 It is suggested that users with sensitive teeth or pre-existing enamel wear avoid using charcoal toothpaste frequently to prevent worsening of their condition.
• 😀 Charcoal toothpaste should be used with care, and it is recommended that individuals consult a dentist before regularly using these products.

Q & A

What is activated charcoal, and why is it used in toothpaste?

Activated charcoal is a substance known for its ability to absorb toxins. It's used in toothpaste because it's believed to help with absorbing surface stains on teeth and improving bad breath.

Can activated charcoal toothpaste help with bad breath?

Yes, activated charcoal toothpaste is often used to help reduce bad breath because charcoal can absorb certain particles responsible for unpleasant odors.

What are the potential downsides of using activated charcoal toothpaste regularly?

The main downsides are that activated charcoal can make the tooth surface rougher, which may lead to increased sensitivity and discoloration. It can also cause microabrasions on the enamel, which might lead to further staining.

Is charcoal toothpaste safe for everyday use?

While occasional use of charcoal toothpaste may not be harmful, it's generally not recommended for daily use due to its abrasive nature, which could wear down enamel over time.

What role does fluoride play in toothpaste?

Fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevents cavities. It provides protection against tooth decay, which is why it’s important to use a toothpaste with fluoride regularly.

Does charcoal toothpaste contain fluoride?

No, most charcoal toothpaste does not contain fluoride, which means it lacks the cavity protection benefits that fluoride offers.

Should I use charcoal toothpaste if I have sensitive teeth?

No, if you have sensitive teeth or enamel wear, it's best to avoid charcoal toothpaste. The roughness it causes can increase sensitivity and worsen the condition of your enamel.

Can charcoal toothpaste help with teeth whitening?

Charcoal toothpaste may remove some surface stains on teeth due to its absorbent nature, but it doesn’t whiten teeth in the long term or prevent deeper staining caused by other factors.

What should I do if I want to use charcoal toothpaste but still protect my teeth from cavities?

If you choose to use charcoal toothpaste, it's important to follow up with a fluoride toothpaste to ensure you're getting the necessary cavity protection and enamel strengthening.

Why does the dentist recommend toothpaste with fluoride over charcoal toothpaste?

Dentists recommend toothpaste with fluoride because it provides essential protection against cavities, strengthens enamel, and doesn’t cause roughening or sensitivity, unlike charcoal toothpaste.