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Charcoal-based products for the teeth are extremely popular right now, but you may wonder if the items really clean and whiten your teeth. While shopping in a drugstore, you might notice several types of toothpastes that containcharcoal ingredients.
Some types of this type of toothpastes are in a traditional tube while other brands are in jars. Powdered or paste varieties of toothpaste are also available at various price points.
What Is Activated Charcoal?
First, it is important to know what type of ingredient is in toothpaste. This is not the same type of material that is used for barbecues.
It is formulated with heat to create a substance that will absorb moisture or other debris. The activated charcoal used in toothpaste is typically ground into a fine powder, and it is combined with additional ingredients to create toothpaste that is injected into a plastic tube.
Is It Supposed to Whiten Your Teeth
The companies that sell this type of toothpaste advertise it as aproduct that will whiten your teeth. Charcoal-based toothpaste is black, so after brushing your teeth, you will have the impression that the enamel on your teeth is whiter.
In addition, any type of fine powder will help to rub away a buildup of debris that is on your teeth. However, you don’t need to use this to whiten your teeth.
Abrasive Charcoal Can Damage Your Dental Enamel
In addition, the use of abrasive powders can damage the enamel on your teeth. If you use toothpaste with this material too much, then you can wear away the enamel on the surfaces of your teeth.
When the enamel on your tooth is worn away, it can expose the dentin of your teeth, making your teeth look yellow instead of white.
Ingesting Activated Charcoal Is Harmful
While using toothpaste that contains this material, you can ingest the ingredient. This type is formulated to absorb moisture, including harmful chemicals, and it is often used by physicians after poisoning incidences.
Unfortunately, the charcoal from toothpaste can also absorb the useful chemicals that are in your medications.
If you use this type of toothpaste after taking medications, then it can absorb the ingredients in the medications, leading to health complications.
You Can Experience Allergic Reactions to Charcoal-based Toothpaste
The abrasiveness of its granules in toothpaste can cause additional problems such as making a cavity larger or irritating the soft tissues in your mouth.
In some cases, an individual is allergic to the activated charcoal, and she can experience inflammation inside the mouth or on the face. The inflammation can lead to swelling, redness or itchiness that lasts for several hours or days.
Visit a Dentist for Professional Teeth-Whitening
If you have discolored teeth, then you should visit your dentist to have a professional teeth-whitening procedure.
Dentists understand how to protect your dental restorations such as implants while whitening your natural teeth with a hydrogen peroxide solution.
In approximately one hour, you can have teeth that are whiter, and if you avoid consuming certain foods or beverages, then your teeth will remain white for up to one year.
Shumway Dental Care is accepting new patients and would love to be yourChandler dentist. Call our office today for an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!