CHARCOAL TOOTHPASTE AND OIL PULLING: TALKING TO YOUR PATIENTS ABOUT DENTAL FADS

Social media never sleeps. Users are constantly scrolling through news feeds crammed full of makeup tutorials and cooking demonstrations. Now, videos claiming the benefits of charcoal toothpaste and oil pulling are circulating the various platforms. As a dental hygienist, you are likely all too familiar with these two dental fads.

Evidence-based dentistry is about making treatment decisions and providing customized dental care based on the most current scientific knowledge, along with clinical judgment. In order to provide patients with the most current information, you must stay up to date on the newest trends. Read on to learn more about charcoal toothpaste, oil pulling and proven alternatives, so that you have the facts to share if and when your patients ask or indicate they are using as charcoal toothpaste or oil pulling.

Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal toothpaste is one of the biggest trends currently being advertised for whitening. Activated charcoal is often used in medical settings to absorb toxins from the stomach, but it is unclear how it affects gingival tissue or teeth. Patients often think they can accomplish amazing whitening results at home, based on reports in social media, and while they may be brushing more effectively and efficiently and that may make it appear the product works, there is no evidence to support any whitening effect for charcoal toothpaste.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling comes from Ayurvedic medicine dating back 3,000 years ago. The practice requires swishing with 1 tablespoon of cold-pressed oil for 20 minutes. The theory is that the oil picks up bacteria and viruses from the oral cavity, thus eliminating bacteria and freshening breath.

The American Dental Association (ADA) states there is no currently available evidence that oil pulling is effective. The practice is not recommended as a supplementary oral hygiene practice and should not replace proven oral hygiene methods, such as brushing and interdental cleaning. The ADA also recommends that patients use an ADA-approved mouthwash that has demonstrated effectiveness in helping to reduce plaque and gingivitis, if they need one. If patients are keen on a natural mouth rinse, look for products containing essential oils that are proven effective at preventing gingivitis, such as thymol, eucalyptol, methyl salicylate and menthol.

Talking to Patients

It is important to know why your patient is asking about, or following, an oral health trend. Are they doing it because they saw it online or on the news? Are they influenced by someone else? Do they believe in a natural or holistic approach? Knowing the answers to these questions is important in order to avoid appearing to be too critical of their choices. Once you know the motives behind their oral care practices, you can provide patients with the facts. It is important to tell your patient that you just want give him/her information on the science. Ultimately, it is up to your patient to make the decision on whether or not to change an oral hygiene habit.

If your patients ask for tailored recommendations to replace their current practices, present a variety of options. If you have samples of whitening toothpastes or antibacterial mouthwashes, customize their goody bag. Clearly and simply explain how professional products are proven to achieve good results while oil pulling and charcoal toothpaste are not. For example, if your patient is concerned about bacteria in the mouth, suggest a mouthwash like Colgate Total Advanced Pro-Shield. It helps prevent gingivitis, significantly reduces plaque, and kills 99% of germs on contact.

It is up to dental hygienists to be armed with the facts to dispel the myths surrounding popular dental trends. If you are not completely sure what recommendations to make, conduct some research and contact patients after their appointment if you need to.

Takeaways

• Learn about dental fads so you can be dispel any myths.
• Be sensitive to patients' beliefs to avoid offending them.
• Be prepared with proven alternatives and recommend these if patients are open to changing their habits.

Why It's Valuable

It is key to be aware of dental trends, like charcoal toothpaste and oil pulling, so that you can be prepared to dispel myths and point patients in the right direction to achieve great oral health.