Brits who are keen on achieving a pearly white smile should book an appointment at their dental practice in Guildford instead of purchasing charcoal-based toothpastes after research revealed these products are ineffective and could even cause teeth harm.
A review in the British Dental Journal, published by BBC News, reported how just eight out of 50 charcoal toothpastes tested contained fluoride, which is necessary for keeping tooth decay at bay.
Moreover, those eight toothpastes that do contain fluoride still may not clean teeth properly, as charcoal inactivates fluoride.
The research found many users were brushing their teeth more regularly in order to get the most of its apparent ‘teeth-whitening properties’. However, this could wear down enamel more, resulting in increased sensitivity and exposure to bacteria.
Dr Joseph Greenwall-Cohen, who co-wrote the study from the University of Manchester Dental School, said “more and more shops are selling charcoal-based toothpastes and powders”.
This is likely to be as a response to these products being advertised as “whitening” toothpastes that can lead to a perfect set of white teeth.
Charcoal was originally used in Ancient Greece to remove stains from teeth, as well as to disguise unpleasant odours from gum disease, and has made a comeback in recent years, thanks especially to celebrity endorsements.
Just a few stars who have raved about charcoal products in the past include Kim Kardashian, Gwyneth Paltrow and Nicole Scherzinger. Not only is it popular in toothpastes for absorbing stains found on teeth caused by acidic foods, including wines, coffee, tea, and citrus fruit, but also for use in beauty products, Glossy Cover revealed.
However, the 2017 study reported the toothpastes tested actually had a detrimental effect on teeth instead of a beneficial one.
Indeed, Dr Greenwall-Cohen stated: “When used too often in people with fillings, it can get into them and become difficult to get out. Charcoal particles can also get caught up in the gums and irritate them.”
AOL revealed 96 per cent of the toothpastes were advertised as teeth whitening, but failed to contain enough bleach agent to actually effectively remove stains.
The review also found that claims charcoal toothpastes strengthen teeth, are detoxifying, or have antibacterial or antiseptic properties were also false.
Dr Linda Greenwall, lead author of the study and member of the British Dental Bleaching Society, said: “This ‘scientifically claimed until proven wrong’ approached is favoured over substantiated, evidence-based promotion.”
The British Dental Associations’ Professor Damien Walmsley added that charcoal-based toothpastes are “no silver bullets for anyone seeking a perfect smile and come with real risks attached”.
Instead, he advised Brits “don’t believe the hype” and to visit their dentist if they wanted to remove stains from their teeth, as they will know the best course of treatment to take to lighten your smile while still protecting against tooth decay.
You might also want to steer clear of balsamic vinegar, berries, tomato sauce, fruit juices, soy sauce, soft drinks, coffee or tea, curry, and red wine to avoid discolouring teeth any more, as these have been revealed by GQ as the worst teeth staining offenders.