Charcoal Toothpaste – Is It A Good Alternative?

Excerpt: Charcoal is now one of the most popular ingredients in facial masks and cosmetics

Posted on: May 25, 2022

Charcoal Toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is a fairly new trendy dental product. However, there has not been enough scientific evidence to support its use over traditional toothpaste.

Summary

There is currently not enough evidence, or the existing evidence does not support the use of activated charcoal toothpaste over the traditional toothpaste.

Charcoal is now one of the most popular ingredients in facial masks and cosmetics, with some people also using it to whiten their teeth. It has become a trendy ingredient in the commercial market and is used by countless beauty brands across the world.

Activated charcoal is a finely ground powder made of materials such as wood and coconut shells, that is heated to become an activated version of the material that is capable of drawing out toxins.

Black charcoal-infused toothpaste is an efficient and popular choice for many reasons. It’s a highly absorbent powder that can be used medically to absorb and remove toxins.

Charcoal Toothpaste – Is It Safe?

This 2017 review warns dentists about the long-term safety of charcoal toothpaste, which emphasizes that it is an unproven and unrestrained concern that could potentially lead to other dental complications. More research is needed on the topic to better understand if there are any risks with how much information is available.

Charcoal Toothpaste Is Too Abrasive

Using caustic materials on your teeth can damage them over time, potentially exposing the dentin an area of the enamel that is more vulnerable to bacterial invasion. It can also make your teeth more sensitive.

Most Charcoal Toothpaste Has No Fluoride

Fluoride helps keep your tooth enamel strong, which is good for overall dental health. One of the arguments by proponents of charcoal toothpaste is that it leads to more free radicals when brushed, which damages the teeth and causes decay.

Charcoal Toothpaste May Cause Staining

The dark-colored charcoal particles may cause staining in the cracks and crevices of teeth.

Charcoal Toothpaste May Affect Dental Appliances

It is not yet known how charcoal affects materials used in the construction of veneers, bridges, crowns, or white fillings. Particles of charcoal could build up between them, creating a black or gray outline.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?

Activated charcoal in toothpaste can help remove surface stains on your teeth. It’s mildly abrasive so it can also absorb some of the stains.

To whiten teeth, you must work on surface stains as well as those that are found below the enamel. These are caused by things like certain medications, fluoride exposure, or underlying health conditions.

There isn’t enough evidence showing the benefits of activated charcoal for teeth whitening, so it isn’t one of the uses for this product.

Pros & Cons Of Charcoal Toothpaste

The pros are fairly limited, it may do a better job of whitening than standard toothpaste, but this still needs to be studied.

Here are a few known cons of charcoal toothpaste:

It’s too abrasive to use daily
It does not remove sub-surface stains
It can cause increased sensitivity
It frequently does not contain fluoride
It can stain older teeth
The long-term effects aren’t well known

What Can I Use To Whiten Teeth?

Safe and effective options are available for whitening teeth, some of which are FDA-approved and endorsed by the American Dental Association.

Your options include:

Whitening toothpaste
Whitening strips
In-office whitening
Dentist-supervised, at-home whitening

Find products that have the ADA seal of acceptance or something similar, and make sure they also contain blue covarine and hydrogen peroxide.

Can You Whiten Teeth At Home?

These options may not be as effective as commercial whitening products, but they are natural. Speak with a dentist in order to find out if these options will benefit you and your teeth:

Hydrogen peroxide
Baking soda
Apple cider vinegar

Brush at least twice a day and drink fewer beverages that cause staining like coffee, black tea, and red wine in order to maintain a whiter smile.

Final Thoughts

While charcoal toothpaste is getting a lot of attention and press, studies show it’s no more effective than other varieties of toothpaste or at-home whitening products.