Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Charcoal toothpaste and oral care products promising to whiten and brighten your smile are some of the latest trends in at-home dental care. Charcoal infused toothpaste is marketed as being activated, which means the charcoal has been heated to extremely high temperatures to alter its structure into a porous powder that is odorless, tasteless, and is non-toxic to humans. Although charcoal toothpaste may sound like a great teeth whitening option, your Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, is sharing why you might want to consider skipping the charcoal toothpaste.
Why use charcoal?
The addition of charcoal to toothpaste may seem like a new trend, but it has a rich heritage of being used by the Romans along with tree bark to brush their teeth. Also, throughout European history, there have been toothpaste recipes that include charcoal. Today, charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste promises to remove stains while naturally freshening your breath. Although charcoal may help absorb toxins and chemicals used for other medical purposes, research regarding the effectiveness of charcoal on your teeth and gums is lacking.
Is charcoal good for your teeth?
The American Dental Association (ADA) states there is no evidence that charcoal toothpaste is either safe or effective when used as a whitening agent for teeth. The ADA also warns that using an abrasive material to scrub your teeth could cause damage to your dental enamel, possibly resulting in the yellowing of your teeth from the exposure of dentin, the underlying layers of your teeth. Charcoal toothpaste that is advertised as “all-natural” does not contain fluoride, a critical mineral that strengthens the enamel on your teeth. Therefore, with a lack of sufficient evidence of charcoal providing significant oral health improvements, Tenaglia Smiles, a cosmetic dentist near you in Okemos recommends purchasing toothpaste that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance for the best clean while protecting the enamel on your teeth. And, if you’re looking for ways to achieve white teeth, contact Dr. Tenaglia to learn about our professional teeth whitening services.
How can I get whiter teeth at home?
With a lack of scientific research and proof that charcoal toothpaste is beneficial for your oral health, it is best to use charcoal for the grill and not use it in your mouth. However, if you would like to have a brighter smile from the comfort of your home, your cosmetic dentist in Lansing at Tenaglia Smiles can help you choose the whitening treatment that is right for you that is both safe and effective. Available at-home whitening kits that are recommended by Tenaglia Smiles use hydrogen peroxide to remove surface stains from the enamel of your teeth. With a professionally directed whitening procedure, you could begin to see results almost immediately.
Teeth Whitening in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
New trends in at-home oral health care come and go so often that it can be difficult to tell which trend will provide guaranteed results without causing damage to your teeth and gums. Before instituting a new product or procedure into your daily oral care routine, speak with a qualified dentist to ensure the product should be effective, and keep your mouth safe. If you want a bright white smile or are looking for the best teeth whitening options, feel free to contact Tenaglia Smiles by calling (517) 347-6733 or visit us online to schedule an appointment today.