You may be aware of some intriguing alternatives to traditional fluoride toothpaste, such as brushing with charcoal or baking soda.
You may be hesitant to switch from the fluoride toothpaste you're used to using, and you may be curious as to the efficacy of these alternatives.
One of the most trendy and well-liked alternatives may actually be bad for your teeth: toothpaste with activated charcoal.
According to Harper's Bazaar, using charcoal to prevent tooth decay has minimal effect, and regular use of powdered charcoal can actually cause more damage.
Overuse of charcoal, which is abrasive, can wear away tooth enamel. Use extreme caution and a soft toothbrush bristle if you opt for charcoal toothpaste.
Another cosmetic drawback of using charcoal toothpaste is that it can discolor porcelain crowns and veneers, as reported by Self.
Baking soda and water can be used to clean and whiten teeth when brushed on them.
Baking soda and coconut oil are also a popular combination because of their purported ability to combat bad breath and gum disease, respectively.
Brushing with sea salt and water also kills bacteria and cleans the mouth. Moreover, Herbal tooth powders help prevent infection, inflammation, and pain.