Is it safe to use charcoal toothbrushes?
The charcoal Toothbrush is touted to be a healthy replacement for nylon-bristled toothbrushes. It is an eco-friendly, sustainable toothbrush as its bristles are infused with activated charcoal and have wooden handles made with bamboos mostly. Hence this appliance is also known as Bamboo toothbrush.
As the biodegradable toothbrush is relatively a new thing in the market, many people are not aware of its functioning and limitations it has. If you tend to use charcoal-infused toothbrushes, this post is for you.
Dr. Suresh and Oral hygienists in our Dr. Amarnathan's Dental care have shared how efficacious bamboo toothbrushes are and the possible downsides of using this oral hygiene appliance.
How does the activated charcoal in bristles work?
The bristles are infused with finely powdered activated charcoal. It is obtained by oxidizing coal, coconut shells, and olive pits in combination with other essential materials. Then
the fine powder is heated at a high temperature for activation so that the activated charcoal becomes more porous.
Activated charcoal is well-known for its absorption properties. Hence the charcoalinfused toothbrush bristles can absorb stain-causing agents, and harmful microbes more efficiently than normal toothbrushes.
What are the advantages of using charcoal toothbrushes?
The activated charcoal powder works like a sponge due to its porous nature so that it can absorb harmful microorganisms easily. It is often useful in treating conditions like high cholesterol, and intestinal gas. Nowadays, the dental benefits of finely grounded activated charcoal are also getting scientific attention and some of them are proven. Here are a few:
1) Teeth Whitening
The biggest advantage of using charcoal toothbrushes is they can whiten the teeth more effectively than nylon-bristled toothbrushes.
Thanks to the activated charcoal's absorbent properties, the stain-causing agents like tannins stick over the enamel surfaces are removed efficaciously. Similarly, the charcoal powder can absorb the acidic & discoloration compounds from beverages, juices, wine, smoking cigarettes, and others, leaving your teeth with a pearl-whitish color.
2) Prevent plaque build-up
Plaque – The sticky surface formed when saliva combines with microbes, food debris lodged between the teeth. If left unremoved, plaque will lead to irreversible damage like teeth loss. You cannot remove the plaque substances simply with a toothbrush, flossing, and mouthwashes. Instead, professional cleaning in a dental office is mandatory. Studies show that the charcoal in these bamboo toothbrushes can bind well with the bacteria in the mouth and eliminate them expeditiously to a great extent.
3) Freshens your breath
As discussed above, charcoal toothbrushes have antibacterial properties thusly they can eliminate harmful microbes from your mouth. Similarly, brushing with a charcoal-infused toothbrush will help in restoring pH balance as well. These tend to reduce the nasty smell emitting from your mouth.
Are there any limitations in using charcoal toothbrushes?
Apart from the observed benefits of bamboo toothbrushes, there are some disadvantages associated with them. Even though there is a lack of evidence and the researches on Activated
charcoal is still going on, many dentists do not prescribe it as a perfect replacement for regular toothbrushes or electric toothbrushes.
The main disadvantage associated with charcoal-infused toothbrushes is enamel erosion due to excessive or improper brushing.
Bottom line
The toothbrushes with charcoal-infused bristles have antibacterial properties and ensure the efficient elimination of impurities from your mouth. Except the discussed benefits, bamboo toothbrushes have mixed opinions among dental doctors and oral hygienists.
In simply, you should get a toothbrush with bristles induced with finely grounded and controlled levels of activated charcoal for your oral well-being.
Dr. Suresh