In the past few years, the use of charcoal has become prevalent in the beauty and cosmetic industry, from face masks to toothpastes and everything in between. Much like many fads, though, numerous individuals take the word of brands and social media influences as truth without diving deeper into the actual effects of charcoal on teeth.
Does charcoal whiten teeth? To a degree, yes. Does charcoal remove all stains? No. Are there some negative effects to consistently using charcoal toothpaste? Unfortunately, also yes.
Instead of relying on trends for one-sided information, in this post, we will dive into both the pros and cons of charcoal toothpaste.
What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal within toothpaste is known as activated charcoal, meaning coal, wood, and other substances are treated at high temperatures to create a porous material. In toothpaste, the pores absorb contaminants like bacteria and tartar, which leave your mouth as you rinse. This is much of the reason why the substance is marketed as being teeth whitening and breath freshening.
There are pros of using charcoal toothpaste, but there are negative effects as well.
Pros of Charcoal Toothpaste
Removes Stains
Charcoal does remove some stains from teeth. There are two types of teeth stains – extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic stains are those caused by external factors such as coffee and food that sit on top of your enamel. Intrinsic stains reside within your teeth and are brought on by factors like medication and weak enamel.
Charcoal has the ability to remove only extrinsic stains due to their absorption capabilities. The pores absorb contaminants that cause stains while its abrasive qualities scrape away stained enamel. In this way, yes charcoal does have the ability to remove stains.
Freshen Breath
Similar to stains, charcoal pores absorb bacteria and contaminants that can cause bad breath. However, so does regular toothpaste that does not contain charcoal. There is no evidence to prove that charcoal freshens breath more efficiently or effectively than traditional toothpaste.
Cons of Charcoal Toothpaste
Wear Down Enamel
While the abrasive nature of charcoal makes it effective for removing extrinsic stains, it also makes charcoal harmful to tooth enamel. Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth that protects the inner tooth and nerves from external elements such as extreme temperatures as well as physical and chemical harm. Using charcoal daily or even regularly works away this protective layer, exposing teeth to outside factors and causing sensitivity.
Gum Sensitivity
Again, charcoal is abrasive, and this quality affects more than just teeth. It also affects your gums. Charcoal toothpaste can cause sensitivity within your gums as well as cause them to recede, exposing the delicate tooth areas beneath.
Does Not Remove Intrinsic Stains
Charcoal toothpaste only removes extrinsic stains, those that sit atop the enamel. It does not have the ability to eliminate intrinsic stains, those that reside within the tooth. The most effective way to achieve fully white teeth is through professional dental whitening.
May Reveal Teeth Yellowing
Below the enamel of a tooth is a dentin layer, a yellowish, softer material that absorbs pressure from the enamel when chewing or with impacts to the teeth. As continuous use of charcoal wears away enamel, more of the dentin layer shows through. This gives teeth a yellowish tinge, accomplishing the exact opposite of what many people use charcoal for – teeth whitening.
Diminishes Appearance of Dental Restorations
Almost everyone has some type of dental restoration, either a filling, crown, veneer, or other. When using charcoal toothpaste, the charcoal material has a tendency to enter the microscopic cracks between the restoration and the original tooth. Over time, this can create a black or gray outline of the restoration which is supposed to blend seamlessly with the tooth.
Does Not Contain Fluoride
Fluoride is a compound that strengthens and preserves enamel by preventing tooth decay, adding material back to teeth that wear away through chewing and erosion, and inhibiting bacteria. Many dentists recommend toothpaste that contains fluoride to keep teeth healthy and in the best condition possible. Charcoal toothpaste, though, does not contain fluoride, so those who use it are missing out on the beneficial aspects of fluoride.
Take Away
As you can see, charcoal toothpaste has many more negative effects than it does positive. It is also important to understand that there are currently only limited studies on the lasting effects of charcoal toothpaste. The use of activated charcoal is still a relatively new phenomenon, so we are not completely sure of how it will impact teeth or the body as a whole with continual use.
This is not to say you can never use charcoal toothpaste. You can, but it should not be used every day. Only use charcoal infrequently to avoid any lasting implications. If you are looking to whiten your teeth, seek out a professional dentist to do the work the right way.
Whiten your Teeth at a Dental Office Near You
If you are looking to whiten your teeth, straighten your teeth, or restore your smile with effective dental treatments, our Walled Lake Dental Office is for you! Dr Hechtman provides comprehensive dental services that covers all the bases when it comes to oral and dental health including teeth whitening.
With more than 45 years of experience in all areas of dentistry, our dental services go above and beyond when it comes to dental care, making us an optimal choice. Let us know your smile goals and start with a Free dental consultation. You’ll have the smile you’ve always wanted sooner than you think!