Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe? Should You Buy It?

All the products use activated charcoal. It is a powder that is made from coconut shells, wood, and other substances oxidized through extreme heat. The charcoal is said to remove the stains that appear on the surface of your teeth. Since the ingredient is abrasive and able to absorb the stains on the surface. But does it actually work? To be honest, there isn’t enough evidence that backs up the claim that charcoal has an effect on removing stains on your teeth. But some users still swear by the product. 

With the ingredient still being fairly new in toothpaste, there are researches being conducted of its impact in the long run. A review of charcoal-based dentifrices released in 2017 does suggest that dentists tell patients to be a little cautious when using toothpaste with charcoal. Here are some reasons why: 

• Charcoal is abrasive: There is a possibility that the enamel can be worn down if charcoal toothpaste is used every day. This is due to the ingredient being abrasive and overexposure to it may result in the enamel wearing down and exposing the dentin. Which would make your teeth appear more yellow and become sensitive.
• Charcoal toothpaste doesn’t usually have fluoride: Fluoride is one key ingredient that is known to help keep your teeth enamel strong and fight cavity and decay. Using a toothpaste without fluoride increases the chances of problems such as decay.
• Not enough studies supporting charcoal: There just isn’t enough scientific studies that show that charcoal can actually lead to whiter teeth. While there are plenty of studies that show it is abrasive and can erode the enamel with excessive use. 

We asked Dr. Remal Patel, a St. Pete-based dentist, whether or not it is worth buying charcoal toothpaste. She emphasized that everyone’s mouth is different and it is important to consult with your dentist before you buy charcoal toothpaste. While everyone wants to jump on and try the new trend, you may end up causing more harm then good if you use the product before consulting your dentist. 

She also stressed that just isn’t enough scientific proof that shows that charcoal whitens your teeth and effectively removes stains. A research conducted to see the impact of various whitening toothpaste which also tested charcoal showed that the ingredient didn’t really fair any different than others such as microbeads and hydrogen peroxide. 

At the same time, the abrasive substance can lead to the eroding of the enamel if the enamel is exposed to it for a long period of time. Therefore, consulting your dentist is the best option before you change to charcoal toothpaste. 

Everyone wants a brighter smile. But the smart approach would be to consult your dentist to figure out the best approach. So before you jump into the trend of using charcoal toothpaste, think twice and consult your dentist. Otherwise, you may end up causing more harm to your teeth. Also, before purchasing any oral product to ensure it is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).