One of the most wide-spread trends in the dental world is the use of charcoal toothpaste to whiten your teeth, freshen your breath, and eliminate toxins within your body. While you should always discuss your oral health needs with your dentist, using charcoal isn't recommended. To learn more, consider some of the biggest risks of using charcoal toothpaste.  

4 Risks of Using Charcoal Toothpaste

1. Worsen Oral Health

The lining of your mouth is made of delicate skin that's subject to cuts, lesions, and bacterial imbalances. By brushing twice a day for two minutes each, flossing, and using a dentist-approved mouthwash, you'll keep oral health strong. 

When you use charcoal toothpaste, the fine granules can get into fillings, cracks, gums, or any minor lesions, which can make situations worse. This can create long-term problems with tooth decay, irritation, cavities, and overall oral health. 

2. Worn Down Enamel 

Charcoal toothpaste is primarily advertised as a great option to whiten teeth. The mild abrasion is sold as a method of scrubbing away stains, but this isn't the safest way to get a brighter smile. Instead, the abrasive qualities can wear down or even remove a layer of your enamel, thus creating the illusion of whiter teeth. Worn down enamel will lead to increased sensitivity or further decay in the future. If you're interested in whitening your teeth, talk to your dentist about safer, more effective options. 

3. Lack of Research

While many products advertise about the benefits of using charcoal, there's a lack of scientific studies to back up these claims. This is especially true regarding charcoal toothpaste, where a lot of the studies produce inconclusive results on benefits but identify clear risks. Studies are also finding that advertisements for the charcoal used in toothpastes can be misleading, making it nearly impossible to measure potential benefits. 

4. Risk of Gum Damage 

The abrasive qualities of charcoal toothpaste can also cause problems with your gums. The small granules in the formula put pressure on the inside of your mouth and lead to a gradual deterioration of your gums. 

Receding gums can create further dental problems and, if serious, could result in the need for a gum graft. Instead, use a whitening toothpaste that's been approved by your dentist and brush with gentle, circular motions.

Whether you're looking for a routine check-up or restorative procedures, turn to the highly-skilled team at Daniel M Hamrick DDS in China Grove, NC. As an experienced dentist, Dr. Hamrick understands how to ease dental anxiety while optimizing oral health of each of his patients. They provide gentle, routine cleanings and exams, extractions, crowns, and more. To learn more about their personalized services, visit their website or call (704) 857-7497 to schedule an appointment today.