White teeth Belfast?

Here’s a question – how do you choose which toothpaste to buy? Do you pick a well-known brand, one for sensitive teeth, a whitening paste? Maybe you’re attracted to a low price tag or fancy packaging. There are literally hundreds to choose from, and new types appearing on shelves all the time.

Recently, charcoal toothpastes have gained popularity. They promise to remove stains and brighten your smile with regular use. Celebrities like Kendal Jenner are getting in on the act by teaming up with oral-care brands and using social media to promote their black-as-the-night, activated charcoal toothpastes.

First things first – what exactly is activated charcoal?  

Not to be confused with barbecue fuel, activated charcoal is a particular type of carbon that is believed to be very absorbent. You’ll find it in many cosmetics, and it is even used in some medical products. In charcoal toothpastes, the idea is that it acts to soak up stains and plaque.

So, does it work, and are there drawbacks?

While there is some evidence to suggest charcoal toothpaste can remove surface stains on your teeth making them appear brighter, it’s very unlikely to change the colour of your teeth. The actual colour of your teeth is determined by a substance beneath the enamel called dentine, and the only way to make dentine lighter is to have professional tooth whitening.

However, there can be some worrying negative effects when using charcoal toothpastes regularly. 

Firstly, they contain lots little particles (the feature which removes surface stains from your teeth). These can make the toothpaste very abrasive, and with over-use can cause damage to enamel and gums. Ironically, this can actually give your teeth a more yellow appearance, as well as cause sensitivity.

Secondly, many charcoal toothpastes don’t contain any fluoride, which is known to help prevent tooth decay. Without it, your teeth might be at risk of developing cavities. Read more about flouride.

You currently might be thinking “Hold on, I have 3 tubes of this stuff in the bathroom and I happen to like using it, thank-you-very-much!”. 

It’s all down to personal preference, but here are a few tips on how to use charcoal toothpaste safely.

• Use it occasionally to help remove surface stains, not every day.

• Brush with a fluoride paste the rest of the time.

• Visit our therapist Carla regularly for professional cleaning. This keeps your smile bright and promotes good gum health. Carla will also give you handy tips on preventing gum issues and tooth decay.

• Talk to us! Nobody knows your teeth as well as your dentist, and we will help you choose appropriate products specifically for you.

You can call us on 02890997889.