Charcoal Toothpaste: Yes or No?
Have you ever reached for a product because the packaging displayed “whitening” instead of your tried-and-true dental products at the supermarket? If you answered yes, you are not alone. Recent surveys indicate that up to 80% of Americans wish they had whiter teeth, and while there are several ways to achieve your goals of a whiter smile there are a few things you should know before choosing a whitening product, specifically charcoal containing toothpastes.
Activated charcoal has been used for centuries for the natural benefits in can provide such as improved gut health, promotion of kidney function, and it may even lower cholesterol.
So why not in toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste is sweeping the market and can be seen everywhere from Instagram advertisements to TikTok video clips and store shelves. While it may be a new dental fad, there is no scientific evidence that it can produce a whiter smile.
When activated charcoal is placed into a daily dental toothpaste, it creates a more abrasive material that can cause life-long damage to the outer surfaces of teeth, otherwise known as enamel. Activated charcoal is known for its ability to absorb toxins, and therefore it works to remove stains found in enamel by abrading then absorb them. However, the charcoal cannot penetrate to deeper layers of teeth and remove stains found below enamel. It’s important to note that continued use of charcoal toothpastes will not allow the charcoal to reach deeper levels, and studies have shown that continued use alters the topography of the tooth’s enamel leaving the enamel more susceptible to future staining from foods or drinks.
The Journal of the American Dental Association recommends that dentists and other oral healthcare providers advise patients to be careful when using charcoal products because their efficacy is not yet proven. If you are in search of whiter teeth, it is recommended to discuss with your oral healthcare provider which products will provide the most benefit for you.
Sources:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/charcoal-toothpaste#does-it-work
2. Stradley, Linda. “Teeth Whitening.” What's Cooking America, 9 Aug. 2016, whatscookingamerica.net/HealthBeauty/TeethWhitening.htm#:~:text=How%20To%20Whiten%20Teeth%20%E2%80%93%20Teeth,in%20this%20area%20at%2085%25.
3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/activated-charcoal#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
4. Palandi, Samuel da Silva et al. “Effects of activated charcoal powder combined with toothpastes on enamel color change and surface properties.” Journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry : official publication of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry ... [et al.] vol. 32,8 (2020): 783-790. doi:10.1111/jerd.12646
5. Brooks, John K, et al. “Charcoal and Charcoal-Based Dentifrices .” JADA.ada.org, The Journal of the American Dental Association , 7 June 2017, jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30412-9/fulltext#articleInformation.