Charcoal Toothpaste: Does it Work? Is it Safe?

Charcoal toothpaste has been a growing trend the past few years. Fans of charcoal-infused toothpaste claim it can whiten teeth better than any other type of toothpaste or treatment. The big questions are: does it work and is it safe?

It is true that activated charcoal in toothpaste may help remove surface stains on teeth. However, there is a big difference between removing surface stains and whitening them. Evidence has not been found that supports charcoal has an effect on stains below the tooth’s enamel. So no matter how dedicated you are to scrubbing your teeth white, true lightening of your tooth color can only come from bleaching treatments like the ones we offer here at Darby Dental Smiles.
 
Another factor to take in to consideration is that charcoal toothpaste could actually make your teeth worse. Simply put, charcoal is abrasive. The particles in charcoal can damage tooth enamel, irritate gums or even get stuck in fillings. Charcoal toothpaste also provides very little protection against tooth decay, so it is best to maintain regular use of toothpaste in your daily regimen.

If you just love turning your mouth a stunning shade of black, then we advise you to lightly graze teeth when applying the activated charcoal to avoid scratching, chipping, or other damages to your teeth. If you are looking for a true whitening option that will not damage your smile, contact our office to learn more about our in-office and take-home whitening options.