Charcoal toothbrushes have been known to be used in certain South-East Asian countries for many years. Here in the states, however, style magazines are only now starting to plug toothbrush bristles made from charcoal.
But Why Charcoal?
Manufacturers claim that the material is more effective in cleaning than regular bristles. These brushes are used and are easily available in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and worldwide via the internet.
Is There Any Research?
The British Dental Journal asserts that there isn’t enough data to prove one way or another whether or not using charcoal toothbrushes are particularly good or bad for your oral health. In short, there’s just not enough information at hand, so we can’t know the answer until the matter is further investigated. If you do end up using this specific type of toothbrush, carefully monitor the health of your teeth and gums. Refrain from using if any adverse reactions occur.
Charcoal Specificity is Important
Charcoal toothbrushes for your teeth that comes from a particular wood or chaff isn’t found to be harmful. Many people in other countries and past civilizations have found charcoal to be a fairly effective and abrasive cleaner, used since ancient times. Burnt rice husk, for instance, has been used as a brushing material in Southern India for many generations.
Ambitious Aspirations
Activated charcoal toothbrush manufacturers claim that their tooth brushes:
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Naturally Absorb Plaque
The chemical structure of carbon gives it the ability to absorb material on a microscopic level, they say. It’s gentler on your teeth because it’s supposedly easier to remove plaque from your teeth without eroding tooth enamel.
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Reduces Teeth Stains Naturally
Teeth stains are largely due to the things we eat, drink, or consume in other ways. Tea, wine, that coffee you have every morning, they all contain harmful acids (tannins) which bind to your teeth, eventually causing stains. Activated charcoal absorbs these and other acids, again, manufacturers assuage. Charcoal is believed by many to naturally whiten teeth and remove deeply embedded stains.
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Eliminates Bad Breath / Halitosis
Believe it or not, our mouths are teeming with:
- Chemicals
- Germs
- Bacteria
- Gasses
- Environmental toxins and other compounds which cause unpleasant odors.
Charcoal toothbrushes absorb such odor-causing agents, which leave your mouth feeling more clean and feeling odor-free as well. Instead of masking bad breath with fake scents (often made of chemicals — even in basic mint varietals), charcoal bristles eliminate bad breath entirely, manufacturers assert.
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Kills Bacteria and Other Germs
Harmful bacteria that eat away at tooth enamel cause tooth decay, gingivitis, and other problems of the teeth and gums. In short, hygiene problems. Charcoal toothbrushes are said to have the ability to seek and destroy these harmful bacteria on a microscopic level.
But Don’t Buy into the Claims Just Yet…
Toothbrush manufacturers claim that blending charcoal into nylon bristles reduces halitosis (because charcoal is known to absorb bad odors). They also say these types of brushing tools reduce plaque and kill bacteria that develop in bristles during storage.
We say, give it a try maybe, but proceed with caution. Make sure that you supplement any sort of experimental brushing materials with your regular brushing and flossing routine that you and your dentist determine together at Center for Beautiful Smiles. Contact us today for more information and to schedule your next consultation.