Facts About Charcoal Toothpaste

Manufacturers claim that charcoal toothpaste will make your teeth whiter and brighter. Is this true, and is it safe?

Charcoal toothpaste has been all the rage over the past few years. It is marketed on the internet and TV as an effective way to whiten teeth and improve oral hygiene. But what is charcoal toothpaste, and is it safe?

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal is made by burning coal, wood, or other natural substances. Charcoal toothpaste is made from activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been treated with oxygen at very high temperatures. This process causes the charcoal to become porous. It creates a black, odorless, and flavorless powder that has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments.

Today, activated charcoal is sometimes used in the medical field to treat drug overdoses or as an emergency anti-poison remedy. It is also found in other products such as soaps, shampoos, supplements, and face masks.

So what about activated charcoal in toothpaste? Manufacturers claim that charcoal toothpaste will make your teeth whiter and brighter. Is this true, and is it safe?

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe to Use?

In small quantities, such as toothpaste, activated charcoal is safe to consume. However, dentists are often hesitant about recommending charcoal toothpaste because it hasn’t been proven helpful.

According to WebMD,

Researchers have found that there’s not enough laboratory or clinical data to back up these claims.

Some dentists caution that activated charcoal might have the opposite effect. While it seems to help whiten and brighten teeth in the short-term, long-term usage appears to wear down tooth enamel. Your tooth enamel cannot grow back. So if you decide to use charcoal toothpaste, you may only want to use it every month or so to remove stains from your enamel.

How to Achieve Whiter Teeth

The best way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile is to avoid teeth-staining foods such as coffee, wine, tea, and tobacco. We also recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Also, floss your teeth daily and schedule regular visits with your dentist for cleanings and preventative care.

Contact Us Today

Teeth lose their luster or become stained for various reasons. However, there are ways in which these stains can be removed, and a person can smile confidently once again. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we provide safe and effective teeth-whitening options. Call us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to your visit!