With so many trendy ingredients promising us perfection in skincare, these new advents in wellness have seemingly transferred into multiple industries, including dental care. Many have turned to alternative options to keep their teeth healthy. But how many of these treatments actually work? We asked Two Front Founder and Orthodontist Ingrid Murra, a healthcare industry veteran, to dispel the myths surrounding oil-pulling and charcoal toothpaste.
Two Front is reinventing the way patients and orthodontists come together through patient education and radical transparency, by working with a next-generation team of doctors specially trained in cutting edge aligner technology. These healthcare providers with upwards of a decade of medical schooling and specialty programs employ a hospitality-first mentality to offer convenient and private appointments for patients of all ages. Keep reading for more!
Can Oil-Pulling and Using Charcoal Toothpaste Really Give You Clean Teeth?
1) What do you think of oil pulling and why?
There aren’t a lot of clinical studies done on this topic. It is also a concept that has been around for several years and is said to reduce the number of harmful bacteria that live in your mouth which can cause a buildup of plaque on your teeth. I recommend sticking with the basics. Make sure to keep brushing and flossing twice a day. Please don’t choose one over the other! A tongue scraper is also amazing for those who are suffering from bad breath.
2) What do you think of charcoal toothpaste and why?
Like oil pulling, this is a wildly popular trend. There actually aren’t any clinical studies that have shown the efficacy of charcoal for antibacterial or whitening purposes. I’d recommend sticking with a traditional, fluoride-containing toothpaste for the results you’re looking for!
3) What treatment/products do you recommend for clean and healthy teeth?
I recommend a fluoride-containing toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. People tend to seek out what’s new and sexy. It turns out the basics are what usually works best. Visiting your dentist twice a year is also the way to go!
