Activated charcoal seems to be quite popular lately, with claims of toothpaste infused with it being able to whiten teeth all over social media, internet and even from personal patients! Big question is does activated charcoal do any real good, though? With today’s dental blog post, we’re here to explore if it actually helps whiten your teeth and if it is safe.
What is Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening?
Before you ask, “Is charcoal toothpaste safe?” it’s important to understand what it is and why it’s become so popular. Activated charcoal is an ancient medicinal technique used to bind to everything. The idea is that it will bind to all your stains, bacteria and tartar, and safely and effectively clean your mouth. Once hailed as the “universal antidote,” this fine, black powder can be made from coal, bone char, peat, sawdust, and other sources, that is then heated to reduce its surface area (and thus, “activating” it).
In this form, activated charcoal has long been used as a remedy for poisons (as it can trap various toxins and prevent your body from absorbing them), and, anecdotally, as a natural agent for preventing gas, reducing cholesterol, and even nullifying hangovers.
When it comes to whitening teeth, the most common claim is that activated charcoal toothpaste can help absorb plaque and clean stains from coffee, wine, and other drinks that often mar your teeth’s white appearance. Many companies and individuals are marketing charcoal as a safer and more effective product than professional dental care or popular toothpaste formulas. Unfortunately, researchers have found no significant support for this claim. Not only is activated charcoal being marketed with claims that aren’t proven, but dentists and other dental care professionals are also experiencing a range of negative effects from frequent activated charcoal use. Discover how you may actually be hurting your teeth, gums, and overall oral health by using this alternative toothpaste ingredient.
What The Scientific Research Tells Us about Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
Disregarding activated charcoal’s abrasive nature, it’s not bad for your teeth, per se, but if you’re brushing with it, it’s likely that it won’t do much good for you in the long term, as it doesn’t have enough time to sit on the surface of your teeth and produce any meaningful whitening effect.
Another thing that’s important to note is that there’s a difference between removing stains (the central claim of activated charcoal toothpastes) from your teeth and whitening them. The first involves, as the name suggests, getting rid of unsightly stains on the enamel, and is generally done under the supervision of dental professionals and with their specialized tools. Whitening, on the other hand, is a process that actually changes the underlying color of your teeth, which, among people, can vary based on factors like the thickness of your enamel. So, even if you remove surface stains, your teeth can still appear somewhat yellow based on what lies beneath your enamel.
Finally, if you are still set on incorporating activated charcoal into your dental hygiene, know that there are a number of DIY alternatives you can try instead. Mixing a bit of baking soda with water, for instance, can help whiten teeth while simultaneously freshening your breath. Similarly, diluted hydrogen peroxide can work to whiten your teeth over time. You might want to try some of these alternatives out before you place that order for some activated charcoal toothpaste
Dangers of Using Charcoal in Dental Care
When you use activated charcoal toothpaste, you’re exposing your teeth to highly abrasive material. Unlike normal toothpaste, activated charcoal is powerful enough to remove the surface layer of enamel and even root surface. At first, this appears to whiten your teeth, but the long-term consequences can be severe damage to your teeth.
In addition to the natural abrasion of charcoal toothpaste products, individuals who are concerned with the health and whiteness of their teeth may actually be brushing too hard. Aggressive brushing techniques can further damage your enamel as you scour your teeth.
Dental Professionals, dentists and dental hygienists, are beginning to see charcoal particles firmly lodged in gums and fillings. Because of the severe binding nature of activated charcoal, particularly powdered charcoal, it may be causing irritation to your gums and creating difficulties with your fillings.
Over time, these irritations and abrasions can lead to costly dental care. Fillings, enamel repair and whitening, and other dental services may be required to not only give you the results you want but also to repair the damage done by activated charcoal toothpaste and by avoiding professional oral care by a certified dentist.
At best, charcoal is an unproven way to clean and whiten your teeth. At worst, it’s actively damaging your teeth, irritating your gums, and removing surface enamel from your teeth. Your teeth’s surface enamel is essential for preventing cavities, keeping your teeth white, and encouraging overall oral health.
Top Ways to Enjoy a Healthier Smile
Instead of trying an unproven remedy for whiter, healthier teeth, turn to the time-tested and scientifically supported ways to enjoy a healthier smile. Enjoy professional tooth whitening procedures, visit your dentist once or twice a year, and consider using fluoride toothpaste to prevent dental decay. Tooth whitening uses a special whitening solution with tailored trays. This process isn’t permanent, but can efficiently whiten your teeth without damaging your overall tooth health.
Whiten your teeth while keeping them safe from abrasion and other unhealthy practices. Because of the lack of evidence to determine does charcoal toothpaste work, turn to a leading dentist near you for safe, effective cleaning and whitening procedures.
