Coal toothpaste does not whiten and can cause tooth decay, according to a study

The toothpaste with activated charcoal is one of the fashions that lately have come to the world of beauty and health care. However, a study published in the British Dental Journal has revealed that its use can increase the risk of abrasions, at the same time that contributes to tooth decay and in reality, does not whiten the teeth, which is your ultimate goal.

The research carried out analyzed 50 toothpastes based on charcoal and reveals that many of them They do not contain fluoride, which is essential to fight tooth decay. In addition, it was also found that those products that did have this substance could be useless, since charcoal can inactivate fluoride.

Dr. Linda Greenwall, lead author of the study, points out to The Independent that it is necessary to verify that the toothpaste that is used contains fluoride, as well as calcium and phosphate to strengthen the enamel: "Not all carbon toothpastes are the same and some could cause lasting damage to the teeth. The toothpastes must contain fluoride to have additional benefits for the health of the teeth. "

They are not what they promise

Of the products analyzed, more than half claimed to have therapeutic benefits, while one in three promised to strengthen the teeth. They also claimed to have antibacterial, antiseptic or antifungal benefits, but none of those claims has been proven by the experts.

Nor do they believe that its teeth whitening properties are true, something that all the products analyzed promise, except two, because they contain an insufficient amount of free radical whitening agent. To make matters worse, they identified themselves potential risks to health due to the possible presence of carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbon in the coal.

For Dr. Linda Greenwall, "the most worrying thing is the emphasis that is made on the alleged benefits to attract consumers, a scientifically claimed approach until it is proven wrong. "In the same vein, a spokesperson for the British dental society says:" Coal toothpastes do not whiten teeth. yellow from the surfaces of the teeth, but they do not whiten the teeth "