Does Charcoal Teeth Whitening Work, and Is It Safe?

Introduction

We all want a brighter, whiter smile, but what’s the best way to achieve that goal? Charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste and powders have become increasingly popular in recent times, but are they actually safe? In this article, we take a look at the origins and science behind charcoal toothpaste and share some advice for those looking to whiten their teeth.

Why ‘Activated Charcoal’?

You may be surprised to discover that people were using charcoal for oral hygiene purposes all the way back to the times of ancient Greece. Nowadays, charcoal toothpaste and powders are readily available, boasting promises of stain removal and teeth whitening, remineralisation, tooth strengthening, antibacterial properties and antifungal effects. But are these claims backed up by scientific evidence, and what are the risks?

The Science behind Charcoal Teeth Whitening

A literature review by Brooks et al., published in 2017, found ‘insufficient scientific evidence to substantiate the cosmetic, health benefits (antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral; reduced caries; tooth whitening; oral detoxification), or safety claims’ of charcoal-based toothpaste. The review looked at 118 articles before reaching that conclusion. The researchers urged dentists to enlighten patients about the lack of evidence surrounding these products.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Abrasive?

It depends on the formulation of the charcoal, but some charcoal oral hygiene products have been found to be highly abrasive. The worry is that these products can negatively impact the tooth surface and lead to hypersensitivity – which may be irreversible.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Help Bad Breath?

While your mouth may feel fresh and clean after brushing with charcoal toothpaste, the truth is charcoal does not stop bad breath or halitosis. In fact, because it’s so absorptive, the charcoal may actually limit the effects of flavourings and other ingredients in the toothpaste that are designed to combat mouth odour.

The Bottom Line: Seek Professional Advice

Don’t use charcoal-based toothpaste or powders, which could compromise your tooth enamel and the integrity of your teeth. Instead, seek professional advice about teeth whitening. Remember, over-the-counter dental products that claim to whiten teeth may remove surface stains, but they do not typically change the color of the tooth. To do this, you’ll need professional teeth whitening and bleaching.

How Smile House Can Help

At Smile House, we offer a range of teeth whitening treatments which are safe and effective. Our experienced dental professionals will assess your teeth to determine the best course of action for you. To find out more, please get in touch. Contact us or call (03) 8521 0777 to make an appointment.

References

Brooks, J., Bashirelahi, N. and Reynolds, M. (2017). Charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices: A literature review. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28599961 [Accessed 9 Dec. 2019].

Greenwall, L., Greenwall-Cohen, J. and Wilson, N. (2019). Charcoal-containing dentifrices. [online] Research Gate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333011406_Charcoal-containing_dentifrices [Accessed 9 Dec. 2019].