Scientists analyzed the safety of paste containing coal particles (2128) - Dentistry

July 25, 2020

Teeth whitening with activated carbon is a fashion trend. Black adsorbent has long become an integral part of folk recipes; it is used in cosmetology, masks, scrubs, patches and peelings are made with it, but over the past few years, oral care pastes, which contain it as an ingredient, have been gaining popularity. Journalists from the UltraSmile.ru portal decided to talk about the most popular of them. We also interviewed experts from the world of dentistry and collected feedback from ordinary consumers on what advantages and disadvantages they could identify with such products. Read, study, stay up to date with the latest events.

What you need to know about the benefits

You can find many positive reviews about teeth whitening with activated carbon. This component is actively used both in its pure form, as part of folk recipes, and in pastes. It is famous for its adsorbent and disinfectant properties, increases the pH level of the oral cavity, fights halitosis (bad odor) and freshens breath. Best of all, it effectively removes surface stains and dirt from coffee, smoking, and after consuming foods and drinks with dyes. Also, due to its high abrasive properties, it polishes enamel well.

Pastes can use not only activated charcoal, but also charcoal, bamboo, and coconut. Interestingly, it is the activated one that has the most pores, therefore it has the highest absorption capacity and removes plaque well, but the wood one polishes well, and the bamboo one has a pronounced antibacterial effect.

Charcoal paste is used to whiten teeth

Why do many people today prefer to use pastes rather than just using the product in its pure form and as part of folk recipes? Activated carbon in toothpaste is more preferable. After all, purchased products have a proven composition; they also contain other useful components that strengthen, disinfect, polish, and also bind to coal, due to which it affects the enamel more gently and sparingly. It injures and scratches tissue less, because its granules undergo special processing at production sites. In addition, the pastes provide complete oral care, are easy to use, easy to apply and rinse off, and do not stain the enamel and gums in a dark shade, as is often the case with natural products.

“As soon as I tried to whiten my teeth with activated carbon before: I just added it to the paste, ground it into powder and mixed it with water, chewed it. It did make the enamel a little lighter, but it was very difficult to scrub and wash it off after use, so that there was no residue left. Once I even scratched the enamel, and not during the procedure, but just after it, when I was scrubbing it all off! I'm glad that today there are professional products that are easy to use and easy to rinse with water! After all, it’s 2021, and it’s time to abandon the antediluvian methods that were used back in Ancient Greece...”

Afrodita, review from the dental portal gidpozubam.ru

Several nuances of whitening with toothpaste

In a conversation with our publication, the doctor also added that the speed of cleansing, and therefore enamel whitening, directly depends on the composition of the paste. For example, after using a paste with hydrogen peroxide, the result will not be long in coming. Soft abrasives will take longer to rid your teeth of plaque and surface stains.

She also advised against cheap whitening pastes, since they only harm the teeth, scratching the enamel and gradually thinning it. The fact is that their composition, as a rule, includes chalk or soda. They react very quickly with other components and neutralize all beneficial properties.

As it turns out, whitening toothpastes actually brighten teeth, making the enamel cleaner. But before you decide to do home whitening yourself, it is better to consult a dentist. He will not only be able to give useful recommendations, but will also monitor the condition of tooth enamel.

Important information about negative properties

Brushing teeth with activated carbon, as user reviews indicate, allows you to lighten the enamel by just 1 shade. At the same time, it is very difficult to achieve results in one go, and paste or traditional recipes need to be used for a long time. And the effect will not last long, only as long as you use the product. But this is not the worst thing. Dentists are sounding the alarm: teeth whitening with charcoal acts as a highly abrasive scrub, and a person who uses the product without following certain rules (read about them below) greatly thins the enamel and increases its sensitivity.

Folk recipes are one thing, but what about pastes, the composition of which is precisely verified? Most manufacturers promise that they are not only able to whiten teeth using the charcoal or activated carbon they contain, but will also have an antibacterial and anti-caries effect. But the research conducted suggests that this is not the case. Moreover, the American Dental Association does not issue a certificate of quality to such products due to insufficient evidence of safety and effectiveness for the oral cavity. And British researchers believe that statements that products with this natural abrasive can significantly whiten enamel (some manufacturers promise an effect of 2-4 tones) are nothing more than a marketing ploy.

What other disadvantages of products that can whiten teeth with charcoal do dentists warn about:

Most pastes that contain activated carbon for teeth whitening, according to reviews from dentists and researchers, do not contain fluoride. Although fluoride compounds are extremely important for the strength of enamel and its resistance to caries, especially when it is exposed to abrasives,

The lack of fluoride in toothpastes can cause caries.
researchers have found that products with this component are neutral against 95% of the types of bacteria that provoke the development of caries and inflammatory processes on the gums,
high abrasiveness: promotes abrasion and thinning of the enamel, which subsequently leads to its hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity), the appearance of erosions, pain when eating warm and cold food, discomfort during oral hygiene,

Teeth may become more sensitive
The smallest particles of the adsorbent can settle on the gums and between the teeth and get stuck there: if you do not thoroughly rinse your mouth with water after brushing and do not use an irrigator or floss in between, the risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis increases.

Some scientists believe that daily use of toothpastes that contain charcoal or activated carbon may be even more dangerous for teeth and gums than drinking sugar and soda. Especially if a person already has thin and demineralized enamel, multiple caries, periodontal inflammation, fillings and restorations in the oral cavity.

After the listed disadvantages, many will ask the question: “Is it really better not to use products that contain activated carbon for teeth whitening?” It is not forbidden to use them, but the main thing is to do it wisely, and better - only after consultation with a dentist. Below we list the most famous products from this category.

Operating principle of coal products

Crushed coal particles are natural abrasives. At the same time, their finely dispersed structure is gentle on the surface and, if properly cared for, does not damage it. Due to their absorbent properties, the particles effectively remove yellowness from the enamel surface. The active components literally absorb pigmenting substances and remove them from the tooth structure.

During cleaning, the enamel becomes black. But all components are completely washed off when rinsing, taking away daily plaque, food debris, bacteria and pigments.

Hygiene products neutralize natural food pigments. Thanks to this, it is possible to avoid re-contamination of the surface.

It is important to pay attention to the abrasiveness of the composition. It depends on the fineness of the coal particles. When using highly abrasive products, you need to take breaks. Otherwise, there is a risk of damage to the enamel.

TOP 8 pastes with charcoal

SPLAT BLACKWOOD

It contains charcoal (birch) charcoal and silicon dioxide, as well as antibacterial components for fresh breath and juniper extract, which has an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the gums. The manufacturer promises that SPLAT BLACKWOOD can change the shade of enamel up to 4 tones.

Paste SPLAT BLACKWOOD

Price – from 260 rubles per 75 ml tube.

SPLAT BLACK LOTUS

Not only charcoal and activated charcoal whiten teeth well. Bamboo, which is part of BLACK LOTUS, also copes well with the task. True, the effect of its use is a little more modest - up to 2 tones. But it acts more carefully, prevents the accumulation of soft bacterial plaque and has a pronounced disinfecting effect. BLACK LOTUS consists of 98% natural ingredients. The composition contains lotus and orchid extracts, rose water, and D-panthenol.

Paste SPLAT BLACK LOTUS

Cost – from 220 rubles.

Biomed White Complex

This is a very popular budget option. Contains activated, bamboo and charcoal. Due to this tandem, effective teeth whitening is expected, as well as a good anti-inflammatory effect. If you use Biomed White Complex, then in four weeks of use you can lighten the enamel up to 2 tones, as the manufacturer promises. Active ingredients also include lemongrass, mint and camphor. The color of the paste is gray, but with small inclusions of black particles. The manufacturer also indicates that White Complex is approved for use from 6 years of age.

“I was going to whiten my teeth with activated carbon, but I read negative reviews, so I immediately decided that I’d better try a paste in which everything is balanced. My choice fell on Biomed White Complex. Pros: very good natural composition, pleasant aroma, gives freshness for a long time, and the contents of the tube also last for a long time, quickly copes with food deposits. Of the minuses: it is clearly not suitable for the whole family, and do not even think about giving it to children after 6 years and up to 15 at least. Why? Personally, it caused severe bleeding of my gums. The enamel also began to hurt, but the color after quite a long time of use did not change at all!!!”

Bet_32, review from 32top.ru

Biomed White Complex paste

Price – from 120 rubles per 100 ml tube.

Dentissimo Black Extra-Whitening

Suitable for smokers, as well as tea and coffee lovers. It has not only a brightening, but also an antibacterial and remineralizing effect. Dentissimo Black Extra-Whitening was developed by Swiss dentists. Contains charcoal, vitamin E, biosol and geranium extract. One of the few that also contains fluorine in an amount of 950 ppm.

Dentissimo Black Extra-Whitening Paste

Cost – from 800 rubles.

Bamboo Charcoal Toothpaste

How to whiten teeth with activated, charcoal or bamboo? Consumer reviews say that this can be done using a series of Bamboo Charcoal Toothpaste from Thailand, which, in addition to natural abrasive, includes various components:

Thai Herbal with mint: from 170 rubles,
POP Herbs Bamboo Charcoal & Salt (with salt): from 250 rubles,
Herbal Clove & Bamboo Coal with cloves: from 200 rubles,
Bamboo Charcoal Black Toothpaste: has a pronounced black color, as well as a sweet vanilla-chocolate taste and pleasant aroma, foams beautifully, and freshens breath for a long time. The result of enamel lightening is noticeable after 2-3 weeks of use. The cost is about 500 rubles per 60 ml tube.

Bamboo Charcoal Toothpaste
You won’t be able to buy these in Russian pharmacies, but you can buy them in various online stores.

Black Clean from Vitex

This is a series of products with microparticles of black activated carbon. The range is represented by five types of pastes, in which the main active ingredient is supplemented with various additives: silver, Dead Sea minerals, oak bark, medicinal herbs. Each of the products protects teeth from the formation of soft bacterial plaque, and also fights pigmentation from colored drinks and foods. The abrasives in the Black Clean series polish the enamel, but do not damage or scratch it.

Black Clean toothpaste from Vitex

Cost – from 120 rubles per 85 ml tube.

Colgate "Safe Whitening" with Natural Charcoal

According to the manufacturer, the paste is suitable for daily use. Thanks to its delicate formula, it has a gentle effect on the enamel and helps remove plaque and color pigment. It does not cause increased sensitivity, but, on the contrary, strengthens hard tissues. Contains fluoride.

Colgate Safe Whitening Toothpaste with Natural Charcoal

Cost – from 180 rubles.

BLACK IS WHITE by CURAPROX

Teeth whitening with activated carbon paste is possible thanks to a product such as BLACK IS WHITE from CURAPROX. Reviews from dentists and consumers suggest that it is not only safe for enamel and gums, but also very useful. And all this thanks to a very worthy composition: sodium fluoride (1450 ppm), nano-hydroxyapatites (15000 ppm), lime extract, mica microparticles.

The product copes well with pigmented deposits from tea, coffee, wine, berries, and cigarettes. Among other things, it makes the enamel smooth and shiny, has a remineralizing effect, protects against caries, freshens breath, restores oral microflora and supports local immunity. Suitable for people with sensitive enamel.

“For how long have I been looking for a paste that could whiten my teeth using activated carbon!! I have very sensitive enamel that shoots up from any impact, and the product from Curaprox is simply a miracle! There was no discomfort from use at all, there was even a feeling that the enamel seemed to be strengthened because it stopped reacting to cold and hot food. As for whitening specifically, the effect is modest, but it’s enough for me, since the teeth themselves have a normal shade. Plus, I definitely have them cleaned at the dentist once a year. I definitely like this product."

Alla K., review from woman.ru

Toothpaste BLACK IS WHITE from CURAPROX

Price – from 1500 rubles. Often the toothpaste is sold complete with a toothbrush, and then the cost of the purchase approximately doubles.

Rules for the safe use of pastes

Pastes containing activated carbon actually whiten teeth by 1 tone, which is confirmed by consumer reviews. But experienced doctors recommend adhering to certain rules to avoid harm from such products:

exclude contraindications for use: cannot be used if you have weakened enamel, pathological abrasion, or non-carious lesions (wedge-shaped defect, erosion, hypoplasia). The compositions are not suitable for those who wear braces, have many fillings and crowns, as well as dentures in the oral cavity. It is better to consult a dentist before use,
when cleaning, use a brush with soft bristles or medium hardness: movements should not be sharp, otherwise you will increase the impact of abrasives and cause tissue damage,
Use pastes in courses, no more than 1 month in a row. It is not recommended to use them on an ongoing basis, even if the manufacturer claims otherwise. Even better, after using such compositions, switch to remineralizing pastes with calcium hydroxyapatite and fluorinated agents to increase the protective properties of the enamel,
after brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, use floss and irrigator to prevent natural adsorbent particles from settling between the teeth, gum irritation, and the development of gingivitis and periodontitis.

Such pastes should be used in courses with breaks.
During and after using products with adsorbents, you must stop eating colored foods and smoking, otherwise you will not achieve any positive result, or you will quickly reduce all efforts to lighten the enamel to nothing.

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prevention

Consulting specialist

Varlamova Tatyana Vitalievna

Specialization: Dentist-therapist Experience: 5 years

Contraindications to the use of charcoal products

Let's consider the main cases in which the use of compositions containing coal is not recommended:

While wearing braces. At this time, the use of any whitening products is contraindicated. Coal-based products are no exception.
For dental diseases. If there is bleeding, increased sensitivity of the enamel or caries, you will only aggravate the situation, which will lead to painful sensations.
In childhood. When exposed to abrasives, scratches and microcracks may appear on fragile enamel.
You should stop using the hygiene product when the first pain or discomfort appears.

When processing implants, you need to pay attention to the material from which they are made.

Comments

I used one of these pastes with charcoal. It actually lightened the teeth in front and on top a little, but it didn’t remove the yellowness on the teeth on the side of the tongue and along the gum line, although that’s what I bought it for...

Oksana (08/05/2020 at 10:15) Reply to comment

Editorial staff of the portal UltraSmile.ru (08.08.2020 at 09:18) Reply to comment

Does adding charcoal to toothpaste help in the treatment of periodontal disease? A friend recommended exactly these pastes to me for this purpose. But I doubt it. How can coal save us from such a disease, which is practically incurable?

Alisa (08/21/2020 at 07:41) Reply to comment

Good day. I used Colgate charcoal toothpaste for a month. I brushed my teeth 2, sometimes 3 times a day, and achieved a slight whitening of my teeth (not as much as I wanted, but still). But just a week ago, the teeth began to react to the temperature. Even water at room temperature causes discomfort. How to deal with this, and will it pass?

Vladimir (08/21/2020 at 09:12) Reply to comment

I always thought that this was a marketing ploy and there would be no benefit from such a toothpaste. Even if my teeth tend to stain under everything I eat, is it still worth trying it?

Alena (08/21/2020 at 10:31 am) Reply to comment

Hello! In general, my teeth are naturally yellow, but I would really like to whiten them. I did teeth whitening with gel and a lamp, but it didn’t help. I haven’t tried this toothpaste, but now I want to try it. What do you recommend in my situation, or can I just come to terms with it?(

Julia (08/21/2020 at 10:37 am) Reply to comment

This is not the first time I have heard that charcoal helps whiten teeth. However, I don’t understand what the consequences could be if you use this type of paste on an ongoing basis? Will the enamel weaken over time?

Dmitry (08/21/2020 at 12:34 pm) Reply to comment

As for me, if you don’t want problems with your teeth, then it’s enough to use regular toothpaste. In my opinion, charcoal paste is nothing more than marketing, saying your teeth will “sparkle.” But the choice is everyone's.

Yaroslav (08/21/2020 at 12:57 pm) Reply to comment

After self-whitening teeth with activated carbon, sensitivity appeared near the gums on the front teeth. I would like to try pastes with charcoal, is this possible, or should I wait a while?

Olga (09.23.2020 at 09:41) Reply to comment

The first presented paste from the TOP 8, splat, can change the shade of teeth up to 4 tones, in what period of time? Is it possible to somehow enhance this effect? Maybe a lemon rinse or adding baking soda?

Vera (09.23.2020 at 09:45) Reply to comment

I have doubts that using charcoal toothpaste has a positive effect and I don’t think that it can be used to brush your teeth for a long time. Am I thinking correctly or am I mistaken?

Lena (09/23/2020 at 12:28 pm) Reply to comment

Not long ago I learned that there is a toothpaste on sale that contains charcoal. Is it possible to use such a paste for teeth whitening, what effect does it have on the enamel?

Sveta (09.23.2020 at 14:47) Reply to comment