Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe and Effective for Teeth Whitening?

While beauty trends come and go, charcoal toothpaste has remained popular as a way to whiten teeth as you brush naturally. Charcoal toothpaste contains activated charcoal, which gives it its distinct black color. Its mildly abrasive texture is designed to absorb surface stains caused by foods, drinks, tobacco use, and similar factors.

However, there is some controversy regarding the safeness and effectiveness of charcoal toothpaste for teeth whitening. Let’s look at how charcoal toothpaste works and why it doesn’t live up to widespread claims.

How Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

Charcoal toothpaste claims to offer health and cosmetic benefits by doubling as a scrub and stain lifter. The activated charcoal found in some toothpastes differs from other types of charcoal, such as charcoal used in barbecue grills or by artists.

The biggest difference is that activated charcoal is exposed to a particular gas during production, creating large pores that make it absorbent. When used in toothpaste, activated charcoal is believed to absorb surface stains on the teeth.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe for Teeth?

Despite claims that charcoal toothpaste is just as safe as regular toothpaste, most of these products’ formula is considered harmful to teeth, especially in the long term.

Charcoal toothpaste can be too abrasive for daily use and can wear down enamel over time. The yellow dentin layer underneath is exposed as enamel thins, making the teeth appear discolored. Excessive enamel wear can also contribute to other oral health problems, such as tooth sensitivity.

Another problem with charcoal toothpaste is that many brands do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is essential for good dental health, as it helps keep enamel strong and lowers the risk of tooth decay.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?

Charcoal toothpaste is often praised for its ability to remove surface stains on the teeth. However, the overall effectiveness of these products could be much higher. One study found that activated charcoal had a lower whitening effect than alternative whitening methods, and it was less safe due to its high abrasiveness.

While charcoal toothpaste can help remove surface stains, such as those caused by drinking coffee or tobacco, there is no evidence that it removes stains below the enamel. To effectively whiten teeth, a product must interact with stains on both the tooth surface (extrinsic stains) and those below the enamel (intrinsic stains).

What are Some Alternatives to Whiten Teeth?

If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, know that several options are available at various price points. Whitening your teeth at home can be achieved with whitening toothpaste in most grocery and drug stores. However, the results can be minimal due to the small volume of bleaching agents found in typical toothpaste.

There are also many over-the-counter teeth whitening strips and paint-on gels. However, it’s important to be cautious when using these products as they can be harsh on your enamel, especially with ongoing use.

You can also get help from your Melbourne, Florida, dentist to whiten your smile. 

Professional tooth whitening can whiten your teeth up to eight or more shades lighter on average. When performed under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist, in-office tooth whitening is considered safe and highly effective. Also, ask your Melbourne, FL dentist about dentist-supervised, at-home whitening kits.

If your teeth are severely stained or discolored, consider other forms of cosmetic dentistry for improving your smile. Dental bonding, porcelain veneers, and Lumineers can all help you achieve white teeth that are both beautiful and functional. Ask about a personalized smile makeover custom-tailored to your unique oral health needs and desires.

Achieve a Radiant Smile with Artistic Touch Dentistry

While charcoal toothpaste may not give you the bright, white teeth you’re looking for, achieving a whiter smile that helps boost your confidence is possible. At Artistic Touch Dentistry, we offer a range of preventative, general, and cosmetic dental services to help revitalize your smile. Contact our office today at (321) 724-1400 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.