Is Charcoal Toothpaste Bad for Your Teeth?

One of the latest teeth whitening trends is activated charcoal toothpaste. It is marketed and sold as a natural way to whiten and brighten your smile. While many social influencers claim that charcoal toothpaste works, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved before adding it to your daily oral hygiene regimen. Here’s what the experts are saying about the safety and effectiveness of this alternative teeth whitening option.

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is not the same type of charcoal you use for your barbeque. It is similar but is made especially for medicinal purposes. Activated charcoal is often used to treat poisoning or drug overdoses because of its porous nature, which helps prevent certain toxins from being absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream. It can also help reduce intestinal gas, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent hangovers.

When it comes to whitening toothpaste, the theory is that the activated charcoal will erase any stains by trapping surface debris and impurities and absorbing harmful bacteria. However, researchers have found no scientific evidence of any whitening or oral health benefits from using charcoal toothpaste. On the contrary, it has been found to do your teeth more harm than good.

Charcoal Toothpaste And Your Oral Health

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), activated charcoal’s abrasive nature may damage your teeth rather than whiten them. It wears down and deteriorates your tooth enamel, which is something you can never restore. Ironically, charcoal toothpaste often ends up leaving the teeth looking more yellow because wearing down the tooth enamel exposes the inner dentin layer, which is yellow in appearance.

Tooth enamel erosion is a serious matter. Once the enamel is compromised, your teeth aren’t as protected as they should be, which can lead to a host of dental problems, including tooth decay and sensitivity. The abrasive texture of the charcoal can also roughen your teeth, making it more likely for bacteria to stick to the tooth surfaces. That can lead to increased plaque buildup, which also puts you at risk of developing tooth decay and cavities, as well as periodontal (gum) disease.

Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening in El Segundo and Lomita

Avalon Dental Care is proud to offer our valued patients highly effective teeth whitening options to deliver healthy, dazzling smiles. Our professional-grade products are formulated with your safety in mind! Call us and schedule your appointment today!