Charcoal is currently one of the biggest trends in the world of wellness and cosmetics. It’s become a trendy ingredient in commercial face masks and scrubs, and some people also swear by it for whitening their teeth.
Activated charcoal — the type used in beauty products and toothpaste — is a fine grain powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances that are oxidized under extreme heat.
There are many charcoal toothpaste products available online and in most drugstores today. It’s highly absorbent and used medically to absorb and remove toxins. But does it really work for teeth whitening?Activated charcoal in toothpaste may help remove surface stains on your teeth. Charcoal is mildly abrasive and is also able to absorb surface stains to some degree.There is no evidence, though, that it has any effect on stains below a tooth’s enamel, or that it has a natural whitening effect.In order to whiten teeth, a product needs to work on stains on the surface, as well as intrinsic stains, which are those below the enamel.
While activated charcoal does have proven benefits there isn’t enough scientific evidence to include teeth whitening as one of them.
Read on to learn about the benefits and drawbacks of using charcoal toothpaste.
Is charcoal toothpaste safe?
More research is needed on the long-term effects of charcoal toothpaste. A 2017 review Trust source warns that dentists should advise their patients to be cautious when using charcoal-based toothpastes due to its unproven claims and safety.
Here’s what we do know about charcoal toothpaste so far:
- Charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for everyday use. Using a material that’s too abrasive on your teeth can wear down your enamel. This may make your teeth look more yellow by exposing the dentin, a calcified yellow tissue. It can also make your teeth more sensitive.
- Most charcoal toothpaste brands don’t contain fluoride. Fluoride helps keep your tooth enamel strong, which helps to protect your teeth against cavities and decay. There is some evidence linking charcoal toothpaste to increased tooth decay.
- It may cause staining on some teeth. Charcoal particles could accumulate in the cracks and crevices of older teeth.
- Charcoal’s effect on dental restorations isn’t known. It’s not yet known how charcoal affects the materials used to make veneers, bridges, crowns, and white fillings. Particles of charcoal could build up between them, leaving a black or gray outline.
Pros and Cons of Charcoal toothpaste
Pros
- It may help remove surface stains on the teeth.
- It may improve bad breath
- It may help prevent staining when used occasionally after a professional cleaning.
Cons
- It’s abrasive and may wear down tooth enamel and make teeth appear yellow.
- It doesn’t remove stains below the enamel.
- Everyday use could cause tooth sensitivity
- Most brands don’t contain fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and tooth decay.
- It could stain older teeth and dental restorations, like veneers, bridges, crowns, and white fillings.
- Its long-term effects and safety are still not known.
The bottom line
Although charcoal toothpaste is getting a lot of attention and press, it’s not more effective than other toothpastes and at-home whitening products on the market.
It may help remove surface stains, but the long-term use of this product is still unknown due to limited studies. Speak to your dentist about the best whitening option for you.
