The use of charcoal in oral hygiene can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece – and in the past few years, it’s a trend that’s exploded in popularity, from YouTube videos showing mouths full of charcoal to ads all over our social media feeds.
But does that mean it’s a trend we should follow? (We all remember Hammer pants from the early 90s, right?) So before you add to your cart, check out these 3 reasons you should avoid charcoal toothpaste, and discover the benefits of non abrasive teeth cleaning.
#1. Too Abrasive for Regular Brushing
The big concern behind charcoal toothpaste is it’s simply too abrasive to use every day. And with many people having a “more is better” mentality, this can quickly damage those white smiles, especially if it’s a grittier charcoal formula.
While there are a few exceptions, the majority of charcoal toothpaste brands have not tested or disclosed their RDA rating (Relative Dentin Abrasivity). This is a scale that measures the abrasivity of a dental product.
If a toothpaste is too abrasive, it wears away the enamel. Enamel does not grow back! Worn enamel not only makes you more susceptible to tooth decay, but it can also cause sensitive teeth and (gulp) staining. That’s why a non abrasive toothpaste is so important to protect the health and comfort of your smile.
#2. Charcoal Toothpaste Can Affect Tooth Color … And Not In a Good Way!
Many people try charcoal toothpaste for the promise of a whiter, brighter smile. And while it is thought to lift away stains from the surface, what’s going on underneath is more concerning. When toothpaste abrasivity is too high and the enamel is worn away, this exposes the next layer of the tooth: the dentin. Dentin is naturally yellow or grey in color. So if charcoal is your toothpaste of choice, ironically, a more yellow or grey smile could be in store.
#3. Stains on Older Teeth & Dental Implants
Non damaging teeth cleaning is always important, but even more so if you’ve invested in your smile with veneers, dental implants, etc. Particles from charcoal can gather in the cracks of older teeth or between the crevices of veneers, crowns, and fillings, producing a black or grey outline – so not the look we’re going for! Additionally, as the Journal of The American Dental Association reports, there simply aren’t studies at this time showing that charcoal dental products are safe, let alone effective.
So Is There an Alternative to Charcoal Toothpaste That Helps Whiten Teeth?
When it comes to toothpaste, it’s all about striking the right balance: a product that will effectively remove stains and plaque without wearing away your enamel.
There are lots of toothpastes to choose from, but only one that’s the go-to of dental professionals: Oxyfresh Pro Formula cosmetic toothpaste. This gentle, fluoride-free toothpaste has one of the lowest abrasion ratings on the market – 45 RDA – making it the perfect non abrasive toothpaste if you:
- Whiten your teeth
- Have sensitive teeth or gums
- Have veneers or implants
- Want protection from teeth stains
Uniquely formulated with natural mint essential oil and Oxygene®, an exclusive, non-toxic bad breath neutralizer, Pro Formula cosmetic toothpaste is free of dyes and harsh abrasives to get your teeth sparkly clean without damaging your enamel, tooth color or dental work. It’s a fantastic non abrasive toothpaste for veneers, dental implants, and ALL kinds of smiles!
Pair with Oxyfresh Pro Formula Mouthwash for the Ultimate Breath Protection
Clean, fresh smiles are great – but they’re even better when you have lasting fresh breath to go with it. Oxyfresh patented Pro Formula mouthwash is the perfect partner to our Pro Formula toothpaste.
It quickly eliminates bad breath without drying out the mouth, and there’s no sting or burn because there’s no alcohol! You’ll love the refreshing, mild taste of essential peppermint oil, and it’s sweetened with xylitol, a natural plant-based ingredient that helps fight plaque.
- Dye-free for no staining of teeth or dental work
- Alcohol-free for no burn or drying out the mouth
- pH balanced to prevent demineralization of teeth
- Patented formula of Oxygene® and zinc fights plaque & bad breath
The final word: Remember – your enamel does not grow back. So stick to charcoal on the barbecue, and ditch those harsh store brands for the gentle, non damaging teeth cleaning power of Oxyfresh. Your smile will LOVE the difference – we guarantee it!
