Tooth whitening with Charcoal Tooth Paste - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Charcoal is the new hype for the oral care industry—it’s suddenly everywhere and in everything. There are adds, advertorials, links and likes in the social media all claiming that charcoal-infused toothpaste, whitens teeth and freshens breath better than any other toothpaste on the market.

But lets look at the facts, activated charcoal is a fine grain powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances that are oxidized under extreme heat. Its main property is being extremely abrasive.

A review in the British Dental Journal from early 2019 found that charcoal provides little protection against tooth decay, and there is limited scientific evidence to support the other health claims. In fact, adding powdered charcoal to toothpaste can actually make things worse, by stripping the enamel layer which is the part of the tooth making its color more light. So if you’re using a charcoal-infused paste, you should be brushing very gently to avoid wearing down the surface enamel, which can make teeth more prone to staining in the long run.

In addition in an article in the BBC it was reported that charcoal tooth paste” When used too often in people with fillings, it can get into them and become difficult to get out,” making the fillings go dark. “Charcoal particles can also get caught up in the gums and irritate them.” In addition it is important to point out that many charcoal-infused and natural toothpastes are formulated without fluoride, which is strongly recommended for preventing tooth decay.

In summary :

Charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for everyday use.
Most charcoal toothpaste brands don’t contain fluoride.
It may cause staining on some teeth.
Charcoal’s effect on dental restorations can be detrimental.

If you would like to know more about whitening your teeth or whitening tooth paste, please make an make an appointment with Dr. Kaufman to learn about the best options for you!