Does Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Help Whiten Teeth?

Brands of activated charcoal toothpaste have hit the oral care aisles in malls and supermarkets. The products are marketed as teeth whiteners and products for bad breath. However, little is known about the long-term effects on teeth. In fact, frequent use of the product may damage teeth — leading to the erosion of tooth enamel.

Key takeaways:

• Activated charcoal is believed to absorb stains since it has been used in emergency rooms to absorb toxins in cases of poisoning/overdosing.
• There are no long-term studies that provide proof for the benefits of activated charcoal in whitening the teeth and removing bad breath.
• Dentists recommend that people who wish to try activated charcoal toothpaste start sparingly and with lots of caution.

If you do decide to use activated charcoal toothpaste, dentists agree that you should do so cautiously and sparingly. Brush with it no more than once every other week, and not for an extended period of time, even if your teeth feel normal.

Read the full story here

http://www.health.com/oral-health/charcoal-toothpaste

Posted by adwords on 2nd November 2016, under Oral Hygiene and Prevention

Dr. Kishanie Wijesinghe Little BDS

Dr. Kishanie Little is passionate about delivering excellent dentistry and dental restorations that are life-like and indistinguishable from natural teeth. She believes that restorations (fillings/crowns/veneers) should look beautiful – and that they should last. Dr. Little keeps abreast of new developments in restorative dentistry through post-graduate training.

Dr. Little is also an experienced Facial Aesthetistician, including Botulinum toxins (such as Botox) and Dermafillers. She appreciates how simple and subtle changes to smooth and relax muscles can “freshen” a face, to look younger.

In her personal time, she loves to cook, read, run, practice yoga and pilates, play a bad game of tennis and am now learning to play golf. She loves Art and Theatre and support the Tate Modern. She also enjoys writing and has a book in the works.