Dental Fads You Should Avoid | Kherani Dental at Aspen (2024)

Everyone wants a good-looking, healthy smile. While you most likely know that brushing and flossing is essential for good teeth health, maybe you’ve heard about a dental fad that’s intriguing. While some dental fads may be safe and possibly effective, there are four we believe should be approached with caution: charcoal toothpaste, baking soda and lemon juice, clay, and fluoride-free toothpaste.

  • Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal has become a popular ingredient in lots of health products, including toothpaste. Exact ingredients can vary and can include bone char, coconut shells, coal, and so on, and its claim to fame is that it can absorb impurities. That sounds great for your teeth in theory, but charcoal is very abrasive on your teeth. At first, charcoal toothpaste might work to whiten your teeth by scrubbing away surface stains, but most people can overdo it and in the process end up scrubbing off their enamel. Enamel can’t grow back once it’s gone. This leads to discoloration because underneath your enamel is dentin, which has a yellow color. Losing enamel can also contribute to sensitive teeth and vulnerability to decay.

  • Baking Soda & Lemon Juice

Baking soda is abrasive. When combined with lemon juice, which is what many DIY toothpaste recipes say to do, the effect is even more risky. Lemon juice is extremely acidic and it can eat away at your enamel if you leave it on your teeth too long. You might remove surface stains at first, but chronic use of the paste can lead to thinned enamel.

  • Clay

Like charcoal, clay is often found in other health products like facial masks, but there are some toothpaste recipes out there that call for clay. It’ll usually be bentonite clay or kaolin clay. Bentonite-based toothpastes are touted as an all-natural alternative to “chemical-laced” regular toothpaste, and fans say that kaolin clay can “remineralize” your teeth, but there are no studies to support this claim. The fact also remains that clay is abrasive and therefore risky.

  • Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

Despite countless studies that show fluoride in a safe dosage strengthens teeth and reduces the occurrence of cavities, not everyone is convinced. Fluoride-free toothpaste is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to regular toothpaste. However, switching to a fluoride-free toothpaste will increase your risk for decay and cavities. While you may think you’re getting enough fluoride from your water, it’s most beneficial when it’s applied directly to your teeth in toothpaste and with a professional fluoride treatment.

Achieve & Maintain a Healthy Smile with Our Team!

Instead of experimenting with unproven dental fads, visit Kherani Dental at Aspen for help keeping your teeth in the best possible shape with evidence-based dental care. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment.

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Dental Fads You Should Avoid | Kherani Dental at Aspen (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to brush teeth with bentonite clay? ›

Advising Dental Patients

The main reason to avoid bentonite clay as a toothpaste alternative is due to the high levels of heavy metals. Bentonite clay is not abrasive as it is 1.5 to 2.0 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it less abrasive than plain baking soda.

What is a good dental habit that requires a person to see the dentist at least? ›

The general recommendation is to visit the dentist once every six months. This habit is essential for children, young people and older adults, combined with a good oral hygiene routine.

Is calcium bentonite clay good for teeth? ›

Teeth. Natural toothpaste makers say the minerals in bentonite clay are good for teeth and gums. Some say brushing with clay can “purify, detoxify, and alkalize” your mouth. There are no scientific studies to back up these claims.

Is clay good for your teeth? ›

Bentonite-based toothpastes are touted as an all-natural alternative to “chemical-laced” regular toothpaste, and fans say that kaolin clay can “remineralize” your teeth, but there are no studies to support this claim. The fact also remains that clay is abrasive and therefore risky.

Who should not use bentonite clay? ›

Risks of Bentonite Clay

Be sure to drink ample water when consuming bentonite clay. Pregnant or nursing women and older adults should avoid bentonite. Bentonite should not be taken two hours before or after medication or nutritional supplements.

What are the disadvantages of bentonite clay? ›

In fact, experts have found that some bentonite clay products may contain heavy metals. In 2016, the FDA warned consumers not to use a certain type of bentonite clay due to its high lead levels. Bentonite may also cause side effects when a person uses large amounts.

Does bentonite clay remove plaque? ›

Bentonite clay is an antibacterial agent that works similarly to charcoal, raising the pH of your mouth and providing the necessary abrasiveness to remove plaque. Unlike charcoal, bentonite clay isn't abrasive enough to scratch enamel, so it's a much safer option.

Is bentonite clay FDA approved? ›

Laboratory tests indicate elevated levels of lead

[3/23/16] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use “Best Bentonite Clay,” a product of Best Bentonite, located in Guthrie, Oklahoma. FDA has determined that the product contains elevated lead levels and may pose a lead poisoning risk.

Does bentonite clay remove fluoride? ›

Raw bentonite clays have shown very low fluoride removal efficiency (47.19%). Modification of the clay surface with HCl and aluminum oxide, on the other hand, increased fluoride removal efficiency to 79.77% and 94.38%, respectively.

Does bentonite clay detox the liver? ›

In high enough quantities, aflatoxins can damage your liver. Fortunately, bentonite clay actually binds to aflatoxins and expels them from your liver and body.

Is baking soda good for your teeth? ›

While baking soda can't protect your teeth from cavities as effectively as a fluoride toothpaste can, it's still considered a good cleaning agent for your teeth. Toothpastes containing baking soda have been shown to have antibacterial properties, which can help protect your teeth from decay.

What are the side effects of clay? ›

Clay is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth for a long period of time. Eating clay long-term can cause low levels of potassium and iron. It might also cause lead poisoning, muscle weakness, intestinal blockage, skin sores, or breathing problems.

How to make bentonite clay mouthwash? ›

Blend together the coconut oil and water, then allow to cool slightly. Add the salt, baking soda and essential oils. Mix in the bentonite clay, using a plastic or wooden spoon. Slowly add more water if needed, one tablespoon at a time.

Is it safe to put clay in your mouth? ›

Clay is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth for a long period of time. Eating clay long-term can cause low levels of potassium and iron.

What clay is best for remineralizing teeth? ›

Bentonite clay: If you're making a remineralizing toothpaste, bentonite clay is a top choice of ingredients to include in your recipe.

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