Activated charcoal toothpaste has become popular in the past few years, first as a novel health trend, and now becoming more mainstream with brands like Colgate and Crest coming out with their own versions.
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Marketing for charcoal toothpaste makes claims for its whitening, antibacterial, antiviral and breath freshening properties. But are these claims valid? Here is what we know:
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🦷 Activated charcoal may help remove surface stains on your teeth (from coffee, wine, smoking). But lightening of the deeper instrinsic stains that come from within the tooth can only come from bleaching treatment that penetrate below the enamel.
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🦷 Most charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for everyday use. It may wear down your enamel over time, exposing the more yellow dentin and making your teeth more sensitive.
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🦷 Most charcoal toothpaste brands DO NOT contain fluoride, an important ingredient that helps to protect your teeth against cavities and decay.
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🦷 Charcoal particles can accumulate in the cracks and crevices of older teeth and margins of restorations like veneers, crowns, bridges and white fillings, leaving a black or gray outline.
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The bottom line: although charcoal toothpaste is getting a lot of press, it is NOT more effective than other toothpastes and at-home whitening products on the market and should be used with caution.
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