Can Charcoal Really Give Me Whiter Teeth?
Every knows that a smile can light up a room which is probably why we spend so much time taking care of our teeth. We brush and floss. We try the latest toothpastes along with whitening strips and gels, but the Hollywood smile still eludes us. So what is the best way to get pearly white teeth?
Black is the New White
The buzz on social media is to cover your teeth in a black paste for a whiter smile. Brushing with activated charcoal is the natural way to remove stains caused by drinking coffee or red wine, with no need for abrasive pastes or bleaching. Activated charcoal is being hailed as a health cure to banish bloating, detox the body, prevent hangovers and brighten your smile.
It has been met with mixed reactions from dental experts. Some say you can clean stains on your teeth with charcoal. Others are worried about the potential damage the abrasive material can do to your gums and enamel on your teeth. Charcoal toothpaste has not been tested and could be a gamble. Also, if you use it instead of your usual toothpaste, you’re also missing out on the benefits of fluoride, says Damien Walmsley, the British Dental Association’s scientific adviser.
Fluoride fights cavities and can cut tooth decay by up to 40%, so it’s important to continue using fluoride-based toothpastes. Also, it is not advisable to replace your daily rituals of cleaning your teeth and flossing as it removes plaque as well as delivering fluoride to your teeth.
Get Expert Advice
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you need to have regular check-ups at the dentist. You can always ask your dentist for advice about dental products and teeth whitening while you are there. For general dentistry in Leicester, you can visit http://www.sjrdental.co.uk/general-dentistry/ for check-ups, treatment or cosmetic work.
If you want to keep your teeth bright, then you could drink fizzy drinks or juice through a straw to avoid getting the liquid on the front of your teeth. You can also brush, floss and then rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash twice a day, and also get your teeth professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist. If problems still persist or your smile is not as bright as you’d like, then talk to your dentist about teeth whitening options.