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What Does Charcoal Toothpaste Do & Is it Safe for Teeth?
Posted on May 19th, 2023
Charcoal toothpaste has recently gained footing as a popular way to whiten teeth naturally at home. However, many people are asking, How effective is charcoal toothpaste, and can it potentially harm your teeth?
Continue reading to learn more about activated charcoal toothpaste and the possible side effects of using it regularly.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal, or activated carbon, is a form of charcoal that has been heated at extremely high temperatures in order to make it more porous. Activated charcoal can be made from wood and other organic substances like coconut shells and bamboo. It is often used in water filtration systems and as an emergency medical treatment for some poisons. It’s a natural detoxifier that attracts and traps various impurities, which also makes it a useful odor remover.
Due to its detoxifying abilities, it is believed that regularly using toothpaste containing activated charcoal can help make your teeth whiter. The truth is that while it may help remove some surface stains on teeth, long-term use can be harmful to your oral health.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Bad for You?
Many people use charcoal toothpaste on a daily basis to whiten their teeth and even freshen their breath. However, activated charcoal is highly abrasive, which means it can cause permanent damage to your teeth.
Why is Charcoal Toothpaste Bad for Your Teeth?
With repeated exposure to charcoal from using charcoal toothpaste, tooth enamel can be slowly worn away. Tooth enamel is the outermost layer of teeth that protects against tooth decay.
Why Does Charcoal Toothpaste Make Your Teeth Sensitive?
After tooth enamel is worn away, it reveals the next layer called dentin. Once dentin is exposed, the structure of the tooth may weaken, and the tooth becomes vulnerable to infection, decay, and hypersensitivity. Additionally, dentin is either yellow or brown in color, so thinning enamel can result in teeth looking discolored.
Does Charcoal Toothpaste Cause Staining?
It is possible, with repeated use, for charcoal toothpaste to leave your teeth looking slightly gray. This is because charcoal particles can build up in certain areas, especially around mature teeth or dental restorations.
In addition to the risks already mentioned above, the long-term effects and safety of using charcoal toothpaste are unknown.
Visit Windy City Family Dental for A Teeth Cleaning
Using dentist recommended whitening toothpastes and visiting the dentist for regular teeth cleanings can remove minor stains on your teeth without threatening your dental health. Since there is little evidence to support the benefits of charcoal toothpaste, we recommend coming in for a check-up every six months instead.
Contact us at Windy City Family Dental today to schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning in Chicago. From advice on how to maintain optimal oral hygiene, comprehensive exams, teeth cleanings, and professional teeth whitening in Chicago, you can rely on us to help you protect your smile.
