Do Charcoal Toothpastes Work?

Posted on 07/06/2022

Charcoal toothpaste has become a popular dental trend, with products claiming to naturally whiten teeth, remove stains, and provide a cleaner smile.

But does charcoal toothpaste actually work?

The short answer is: there is limited evidence that charcoal toothpaste provides meaningful whitening benefits, and some products may be more abrasive than conventional toothpaste.

At Tollgate Orthodontics, we encourage patients to look beyond marketing claims and choose oral care products based on proven safety and effectiveness.

What Is Activated Charcoal Toothpaste?

Activated charcoal is a highly porous form of carbon that is used in a variety of filtration and absorption applications.

Because activated charcoal can bind to certain substances, manufacturers began adding it to toothpastes, believing it could attract and remove stains from the surface of teeth.

That sounds reasonable, but whitening teeth is more complicated than simply absorbing surface impurities.

Research examining charcoal toothpastes has found that their whitening performance is generally limited, and some studies have raised concerns about their abrasive effect on tooth surfaces.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?

Charcoal toothpaste may remove some surface staining simply through the mechanical action of brushing.

That differs from bleaching or changing a tooth's underlying color.

Traditional tooth-whitening treatments typically use ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the tooth and break down stain-producing compounds. These are the types of ingredients commonly used in professional and many over-the-counter whitening treatments.

Research has not shown charcoal toothpaste to provide superior whitening compared with established whitening products, and some studies have found relatively little whitening benefit.

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Damage Enamel?

One of the primary concerns with charcoal toothpaste is abrasiveness.

Some charcoal-containing products can be abrasive enough to increase surface roughness or contribute to enamel and exposed dentin wear when used repeatedly.

Your enamel does not grow back once it has been worn away.

As enamel becomes thinner, several problems can occur:

• Teeth may appear more yellow because the darker dentin underneath becomes more visible.
• Teeth may become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
• Roughened tooth surfaces may become more susceptible to staining.
• Areas of exposed dentin may be particularly vulnerable to abrasion.

Ironically, using an overly abrasive product to make your teeth look whiter could eventually have the opposite effect.

What About Fluoride?

Another important consideration is whether your toothpaste contains fluoride.

Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. The American Dental Association requires toothpastes carrying its Seal of Acceptance for cavity protection to contain fluoride.

Some charcoal toothpastes contain fluoride, while others marketed as “natural” products may not.

For most patients, choosing a fluoride toothpaste with proven cavity protection matters far more than choosing a toothpaste simply because it contains a trendy whitening ingredient.

Are Charcoal Toothpastes Safe With Braces?

Patients wearing braces need to be particularly careful about oral hygiene.

Brackets and wires create additional areas where plaque and food particles can collect, making thorough brushing especially important.

Using highly abrasive whitening products during orthodontic treatment is generally unnecessary. Whitening while brackets are bonded to the teeth can also lead to uneven results because the tooth surface under each bracket isn't exposed the same way as the surrounding enamel.

If you are wearing braces and would like whiter teeth, talk with Dr. Eves before starting a whitening product.

In many cases, it makes more sense to concentrate on keeping your teeth healthy and clean during treatment and consider whitening after your braces are removed.

How Should You Choose a Toothpaste?

Rather than relying on claims such as “natural,” “detoxifying,” or “charcoal whitening,” look for a toothpaste with benefits supported by evidence.

A good place to start is with a toothpaste carrying the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

Products that earn the ADA Seal must provide evidence demonstrating that they meet the ADA's requirements for the specific safety and effectiveness claims listed on the product.

You can also ask your dentist or orthodontist which toothpaste is appropriate for your individual needs.

What Is the Safest Way to Whiten Your Teeth?

The best whitening method depends on why your teeth are discolored and what type of dental work you already have.

Professional whitening options use established whitening agents rather than relying primarily on abrasive ingredients.

Tollgate Orthodontics offers professional teeth-whitening options, including in-office whitening and custom take-home whitening trays for appropriate patients.

These treatments allow whitening to be performed in a more controlled manner and can provide more predictable results than experimenting with trendy products.

So, Do Charcoal Toothpastes Work?

Charcoal toothpaste may remove some surface stains, but current evidence does not show that it provides better whitening than established alternatives. Some charcoal products may also be unnecessarily abrasive.

For everyday brushing, choose a fluoride toothpaste with proven benefits and maintain good brushing and flossing habits.

And if your goal is a noticeably whiter smile, ask Dr. Eves and the Tollgate Orthodontics team about whitening options that are safe and appropriate for your teeth.

Sometimes the newest trend isn't necessarily the best treatment for your smile.