Valuable Tips when Choosing Charcoal Toothpaste Products

Charcoal toothpaste is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its natural teeth whitening effects. Its ability to remove surface stains, combat bad breath, and promote gum health makes it an attractive alternative to traditional toothpaste. However, with so many products currently available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which one is best for you. To help you select the right charcoal toothpaste, we have compiled a list of valuable tips.

1. Check the Ingredients

The first and most crucial aspect to consider when choosing a charcoal toothpaste is the ingredients. It's essential to ensure that your chosen brand does not contain harmful chemicals or additives. Beware of charcoal toothpaste products that include additives such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or parabens. These chemicals tend to be abrasive and may cause irritation or damage to your teeth and gums.

Things to avoid:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Parabens
• Saccharin
• Fluoride

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a common ingredient in several beauty and personal care products. It is usually added as a foaming agent to create more lather. However, it can irritate and dry out your gums/mouth, causing canker sores and other oral health issues. Additionally, research has linked SLS to an increased risk of developing mouth ulcers and has also been known to cause skin irritation.

Parabens

Parabens are chemical preservatives used in cosmetic products to prolong their shelf life. There are several concerns about the health risks of using parabens as some studies have linked them to hormone disruption and an increased risk of breast cancer. For this reason, it's always best to opt for a charcoal toothpaste that is free of parabens altogether.

Saccharin

Saccharin is a synthetic sweetener with a metallic taste that is often added to toothpaste to enhance flavors. However, it has been proven to cause cancer in laboratory rats, and there are concerns that it can upset the balance of your oral microbiome.

Fluoride

Although fluoride is commonly used in most toothpaste products, it can cause discoloration of the teeth over time. For this reason, it's crucial to check and see whether the charcoal toothpaste product you are considering contains fluoride. If you are looking to whiten your teeth naturally, it's best to avoid fluoride-containing toothpaste products.

2. Consider the Abrasiveness of the Charcoal

Charcoal toothpaste products that are too abrasive can cause damage to your enamel, which can lead to tooth sensitivity and other issues. Generally speaking, the charcoal used in toothpaste should be fine and gentle enough not to cause any damage. When selecting the right product, look for charcoal toothpaste brands with a mild abrasive formula that will effectively remove surface stains without affecting the enamel.

How to measure abrasiveness

The Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) scale is used to measure the abrasiveness of toothpaste. The RDA scale ranges from 0-250, with the lower end being less abrasive and the higher end being more abrasive. The following is a guide to which levels of abrasiveness you should look for:

• Less than 70: low abrasiveness
• 70 to 100: medium abrasiveness
• Over 100: high abrasiveness

Less than 70: low abrasiveness

Toothpaste products with an RDA below 70 are considered to be low in abrasiveness and are safe to use on a daily basis. These toothpaste products are suitable for people with sensitive teeth and those who want to avoid enamel damage.

70 to 100: medium abrasiveness

A toothpaste product with an RDA between 70 to 100 is considered to be medium abrasive. These toothpaste products are good for removing surface stains and keeping your teeth clean, but they may cause some damage to your enamel if used often.

Over 100: high abrasiveness

A toothpaste product with an RDA over 100 is considered highly abrasive and should be avoided. These kinds of toothpaste products can cause significant damage to your enamel and can lead to tooth sensitivity.

3. Look for Certified Products

When shopping for charcoal toothpaste products, ensure that the brand you select is certified by a reputable organization such as the American Dental Association (ADA) or the European Union Cosmetic Regulation. A certification can provide some assurance that the product has been properly tested and is safe for use.

What to look for

When looking for certified charcoal toothpaste products, watch out for these certifications:

• American Dental Association (ADA)
• EcoCert
• Leaping Bunny
• Cruelty-Free International

American Dental Association (ADA).

The American Dental Association (ADA) is an American professional association focused on promoting oral health. The ADA provides a seal of approval to products that have been clinically tested and found to be safe and effective. Products that have been approved by the ADA must meet strict criteria for safety and effectiveness, so you can trust that you are purchasing a reliable product.

EcoCert

EcoCert is an organization that provides certification to organic and natural products. Products that are certified by EcoCert are free of harmful chemicals and are made using organic and sustainable materials.

Leaping Bunny

Leaping Bunny Certification is a globally recognized certification program that confirms the product is cruelty-free. Products that have been certified by Leaping Bunny do not test on animals.

Cruelty-Free International.

Cruelty-Free International is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending animal testing in the cosmetic industry. Products that have been certified by Cruelty-Free International do not test on animals.

4. Look for Natural Ingredients

Another key factor to consider when selecting a charcoal toothpaste is natural ingredients. The right charcoal toothpaste products should be made from natural ingredients, which are gentler, safer, and more effective in promoting oral hygiene.

Natural ingredients to look for.

• Baking Soda
• Coconut Oil
• Cinnamon Oil
• Activated Charcoal

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a popular natural ingredient in toothpaste that helps to neutralize acid and bacteria that cause tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease. It also helps to remove surface stains and whitens the teeth.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an all-natural ingredient with cleansing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to promote oral hygiene. It helps to reduce plaque buildup, fight bad breath, and prevent tooth decay, making it an ideal ingredient to look for when selecting a charcoal toothpaste.

Cinnamon Oil

Cinnamon oil is a natural oil that is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial properties that help to fight oral infections. It also gives a fresh, natural flavor to toothpaste products, making it a popular choice among those looking for a natural, gentle toothpaste product.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is a popular ingredient in charcoal toothpaste products, thanks to its ability to whiten teeth, remove surface stains, and promote gum health. Charcoal particles are known to be porous and can bind to toxins and impurities.

Conclusion

Ultimately, selecting the right charcoal toothpaste product comes down to choosing a brand with natural, gentle ingredients, that are free of harmful chemicals and are certified by a reputable organization. When selecting a product, always take the time to research the ingredients used, the abrasiveness of the charcoal, and the product's certifications. By following these tips, you will select a reliable, safe, and effective product that will effectively promote oral hygiene.