Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Charcoal Toothpaste: What You Need to Know in Glen Iris

Image result for charcoal dentifrices

Charcoal has a long history of use in oral care, dating back to when roughly ground charcoal was used to remove stains and absorb toxins from the mouth. Today, you’ll find charcoal featured in toothpastes, mouthwashes, beauty products, and even in foods like bread and smoothies.

However, before choosing charcoal-based dental products, it’s important to understand the science behind them.

What Research Says About Charcoal Dentifrices

A paper published in the British Dental Journal (BDJ) in May 2019 reviewed the available scientific literature on charcoal toothpastes and powders. The review concluded there is limited scientific evidence to support the claimed benefits of charcoal dentifrices.

Key Findings from the BDJ Review

  • Lack of fluoride protection: Most charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride. Even in those that do, the high absorptive capacity of activated charcoal can remove fluoride ions, reducing their protective effects and potentially increasing the risk of tooth decay (caries).

  • Unverified abrasiveness claims: Many brands claim their products are “low-abrasive,” but these claims are not independently verified. The particle size of charcoal can influence how abrasive it is to enamel and restorations.

  • Potential health risks: Some charcoal products may contain carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons or bentonite clay, which can introduce health concerns. Bentonite clay is often included for its supposed ability to help charcoal bind plaque, bacteria, and stains for removal during brushing.

  • Tissue and restoration staining: Charcoal particles can accumulate in the gum pockets of patients with periodontal disease, leading to grey or black tissue discoloration. It may also cause staining along the edges of composite restorations and crowns, affecting aesthetic results.

Whitening vs. Bleaching Teeth

The BDJ report highlighted an important distinction between teeth whitening and bleaching. Charcoal products primarily remove surface stains but do not change the intrinsic tooth color. There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support claims of true whitening or bleaching effects from charcoal toothpaste.

Marketing and Consumer Appeal

Charcoal dentifrices are often marketed with appealing terms such as natural, eco-friendly, organic, or herbal. According to the BDJ review:

  • 88% of charcoal dentifrices analyzed used at least one of these terms.

  • 54% used two or more.

Such marketing has contributed to an increase in brushing frequency among Australian adults—a positive trend considering that only half of Australians brush twice daily, according to the nation’s Oral Health Tracker.

Choosing Evidence-Based Toothpaste

While charcoal toothpaste may seem fashionable, Dr. Daniel Kaufman recommend using fluoride-containing toothpaste for long-term oral health.

Dental Erosion- Acidic drinks and food in Glen Iris

Dental Erosion: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Dental erosion, also known as erosive tooth wear, occurs when acid dissolves the surface of the tooth. This leads to thinning of the enamel, which weakens the tooth and causes sensitivity. When the enamel layer wears away, the softer dentine beneath becomes exposed and dissolves even faster in acid. Preventing dental erosion is key to maintaining strong, healthy teeth.

Where Does the Acid Come From?

The acid that causes dental erosion usually comes from the food and drinks we consume. Common sources of dietary acids include:

  • Soft drinks

  • Energy drinks and sports drinks

  • Vinegar and pickled foods

  • Citrus fruits and fruit juices

  • Fruit-flavoured teas (e.g. lemon, peach, rosehip)

  • Cordial and alcoholic drinks

  • Sour lollies and chewy sweets

  • Chewable Vitamin C tablets and effervescent medications

Even sugar-free drinks can be damaging if they are high in acid. Common acidic ingredients to look out for include:

  • Citric acid (food acidity regulator 330)

  • Sodium citrate (regulator 331)

  • Malic acid (preservative 296)

  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C additive 300)

  • Fruit juice concentrate

Acid from the stomach can also cause dental erosion, especially in people with vomiting, reflux, or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), bulimia, anorexia, or pregnancy-related morning sickness.

What Else Increases the Risk of Dental Erosion?

Low saliva flow, or dry mouth, increases susceptibility to acid damage. Saliva helps wash away and neutralise acids in the mouth. Conditions and habits that can reduce saliva include:

  • Certain medications or multiple medicines taken together

  • Head and neck radiotherapy

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

How to Prevent Dental Erosion

You can protect your teeth from acid damage with a few simple habits:

  • Limit acidic foods and drinks, especially between meals

  • Only have acidic beverages at meal times when saliva levels are higher

  • Avoid holding acidic drinks in your mouth; swallow them quickly

  • Eat low-acid fruits such as bananas, melons, pears, and papayas instead of fruit juices

  • Chill acidic drinks, as warmer liquids cause more erosion

  • After acidic foods, vomiting, or reflux, rinse your mouth with water, milk, or a fluoride mouth rinse

  • Visit your Dr. Daniel Kaufman to check for underlying medical conditions that may increase acid exposure

Brushing and Dental Care Tips

Good oral hygiene remains vital. Traditionally, people were advised to wait 30–60 minutes before brushing after acid exposure, but new research shows this delay may not help enamel repair. Instead, focus on consistent, gentle daily care:

  • Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste

  • Use a soft toothbrush and gentle circular motions

  • Rinse your mouth with water, milk, or fluoride mouthwash after acid exposure

  • Consider a toothpaste with stannous fluoride (SnF₂), as it provides greater resistance against acid wear

This information is based on guidelines from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Victoria Branch, October 2018.

Sugary Drinks and Your Health: Choose Water Instead

Tap water is the best and most affordable way to stay hydrated while protecting your teeth. Choosing water instead of sugary or acidic drinks helps prevent dental erosion, cavities, and other chronic health issues.

The Risks of Sugary Drinks

  • One 600 ml bottle of soft drink can contain up to 16 teaspoons of sugar

  • Drinking one can of soft drink a day can add up to 6.5 kilograms of weight gain in a year

  • Sugar and acid together increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion

  • Overconsumption of sugary drinks raises the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers

Tips to Drink More Water and Fewer Sugary Drinks

  • Ask for tap or sparkling water when dining out

  • Carry a reusable water bottle

  • Keep a glass of water nearby throughout the day

  • Choose tap water during and after exercise instead of sports drinks

  • Drink plain milk, or tea and coffee without added sugar

  • Save money from skipping sugary drinks to enjoy other activities

The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than seven teaspoons (27.5 g) of added sugar per day—equivalent to 5% of your total energy intake—to reduce the risk of tooth decay, obesity, and chronic diseases.

How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth in Winter: Expert Tips from Glen Iris Dentists

How to Prevent Sensitive Teeth During Winter in Glen Iris

Huddling up with a warm cup of tea or hot chocolate is one of winter’s simple pleasures. But the cold weather can also bring less pleasant issues such as dry skin, cracked lips, and sensitive teeth. Many people in Glen Iris experience tooth pain as temperatures drop, but the good news is that you can prevent discomfort with a few simple strategies.

Here are some practical ways to avoid tooth sensitivity this winter and keep your family smiling comfortably.

1. Breathe Through Your Nose, Not Your Mouth

When you breathe through your mouth in cold weather, freezing air hits your teeth directly. This sudden temperature change can trigger sharp tooth pain. Try to breathe through your nose whenever possible to protect your enamel from cold-air shock.

2. Warm Your Teeth Before Drinking Hot Beverages

If you enjoy hot drinks, avoid exposing cold teeth to extreme heat right away. Start with a warm (not hot) sip to gently bring the temperature of your teeth up. This prevents sudden expansion within the enamel and dentin, reducing your risk of sensitivity.

3. Use a Desensitising Toothpaste or Fluoride Mouthwash

Desensitising toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash can help seal exposed dentin, strengthen enamel, and reduce sensitivity over time. Use them twice daily during winter for best results.

When to See Your Dentist

Healthy teeth should stop aching once they’ve warmed up. However, if you continue to experience pain or sensitivity, it may be a sign of inflammation in the dental pulp. In these cases, it’s important to book an appointment with Dr. Daniel Kaufman at Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris. Early treatment can prevent more complex dental issues.

At Tooronga Family Dentistry, we’re here to help your family enjoy a healthy, pain-free winter. Please Call us.