Is Charcoal Toothpaste More Effective Than the Regular Kind to Whiten Teeth?

Everyone wants that dazzling smile but unlike our favorite movie stars, we don’t have the funds for a professional teeth whitening session or cosmetic veneers. One of the hottest teeth whitening trends of recent years is charcoal toothpaste that’s been dubbed the natural way to make your teeth gleam and rid them of toxins, but does it actually work?

We chatted to one of Australia’s leading dental hygienists Tabitha Acret to get the facts.

Is charcoal toothpaste good for brushing your teeth?

Turns out those charcoal toothpastes are a fad.

“Though the advertising claims it works wonders, the scientific research shows that there is no evidence to support any ‘whitening effect’ and that some brands are quite abrasive and may even cause damage to your teeth,” Tabitha explains.

But there are ways that will not only make your smile brighter, but improve the health of your teeth — and it all starts with brushing.

“Everyone from children to adults should brush their teeth twice a day once in the morning and once before bed for at least two minutes each,” says Tabitha.

“The nighttime brush is the most important as our saliva flow reduces at night. We lose the protective factor that saliva creates and our teeth become more vulnerable to the acids and bacteria that are in our mouths.”

Not only can this help avoid yellow, discolored teeth, and bad breath. But, regular brushing will help to fight against gum disease, bleeding gums, decay, and infections that can cause discomfort and pain.

And for those of us who love a coffee or a red wine, have a mouthful of water afterwards to rinse the staining residue off your teeth.

Tabitha also says it’s important to visit your dentist for regular cleaning to remove any staining.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.