Charcoal toothpaste whitening

There is no evidence that charcoal toothpaste has a detoxifying effect or will improve overall health.

Although the amount of charcoal on your toothbrush is unlikely to cause issues, activated charcoal can adsorb certain medications and should not be swallowed unless directed by a doctor. Specifically, it may wear down enamel, which harms overall dental health in several ways.

“I’ve had patients—especially those who brush forcefully or use gritty charcoal pastes—present with increased sensitivity or even dull-looking teeth,” Khalife says, stressing that when “enamel wears away, it can’t be regenerated.”

A 2021 study backs this up.

It contains activated charcoal, which is a fine powder composed of coconut shells, wood, and other natural substances oxidized under heat. We discovered slight erosion on several molars and needed to make some adjustments. It’s not associated with any serious side effects to your oral health.

However, there are a few safety concerns to consider:

• Abrasivity: Gritty, abrasive charcoal toothpaste could potentially erode your enamel.
  

  Charcoal Toothpaste: Safety, Teeth Whitening, & Best Brands

  Charcoal toothpaste is a popular dental health trend. Since it's abrasive, it can indeed help remove surface stains on teeth, but there's no evidence it works on stains below the enamel — limiting its effectiveness.

  While using charcoal on teeth is safe in small doses, you shouldn't use this type of toothpaste every day.

  Many brands claim activated charcoal toothpaste can whiten teeth, freshen breath, and even prevent cavities.

  But… is this dental product worth the hype?

  Charcoal toothpaste benefits include a whiter smile and fresh breath. After extensive testing, I found the best charcoal toothpaste on the market is Hyperbiotics Charcoal Toothpaste.

  Hyperbiotics’ toothpaste features:

  • Active probiotics to support fresh breath and a healthy oral microbiome
  • Very low abrasivity
  • Xylitol to support tooth remineralization
  • Baking soda for supporting a healthy pH in the mouth

  FAQs

  Q

  Will activated charcoal stain crowns/fillings/veneers?

  A

  Charcoal toothpaste is safe for fillings, veneers, crowns, caps, etc.

  Sign up for my free newsletter and you’ll get my unconventional tips, starting with: If I had a cavity, here’s exactly what I’d do to reverse it.

  Does charcoal toothpaste work?

  Charcoal toothpaste works to remove some surface stains from teeth. I’ve seen patients report that their teeth ‘feel cleaner’ or look a shade brighter after use.”

  Nicole Khalife, D.D.S., owner of Lux Smiles NYC, agrees, noting that using charcoal toothpaste may “give the illusion of a brighter smile.” But ultimately, both agree that the effects are superficial.

  “Activated charcoal has long been used in medicine for its absorption properties,” Johannes Jacobs, D.D.S., founder of Jacobs & Associates Dental in Oakville, Ontario, says. Look for a brand made from coconut charcoal products rather than wood ash.

• Paste or charcoal powder, not straight charcoal: Use a carefully chosen charcoal toothpaste or powder as opposed to straight charcoal.

  It also can’t strengthen your tooth enamel or prevent tooth decay. You're better off opting for a standard, fluoride-containing toothpaste instead of a trendy newer product.

  Image: © Rostislav_Sedlacek/Getty Images