Charcoal Toothpaste: Does it Work to Whiten Teeth?

One of the latest trends in cosmetics and health is charcoal. Commercial face masks and scrubs now include it as a fashionable ingredient, and some individuals even use it religiously to whiten their teeth.

Activated charcoal, a fine-grain powder found in toothpaste and cosmetic products, is produced by oxidising wood, coconut shells, and other natural materials at very high temperatures. Nowadays, most drugstores and the internet offer a wide variety of charcoal toothpaste options. Because of its great absorption capacity, doctors use it to draw out and eliminate poisons. Does it, however, really help to whiten teeth? 

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Black toothpaste, sometimes known as charcoal, is created by heating charcoal in the presence of a gas, such as nitrogen or argon, to produce activated charcoal. This chemical process causes charcoal to form pores, tiny holes that hold onto substances and deposits, including toxins. Because of these pores, activated charcoal is a standard medical therapy for toxin control. Research indicates that administering activated charcoal within an hour after consuming pollutants helps lessen their absorption.

Charcoal toothpaste proponents compare its capacity to draw stains and germs away from teeth to that of a magnet. But the evidence needs to back up these claims. Thus, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises consumers to use care while using charcoal toothpaste.

To determine if charcoal toothpaste is effective for teeth whitening, let's first discuss a few distinct kinds of tooth stains.  

Extrinsic Teeth Stains

These are surface stains on our teeth. They are often caused by overindulgence in coffee and tea, and smoking is another prevalent cause. Usually, whitening toothpaste or a thorough dental cleaning removes this kind of discolouration.

Intrinsic Teeth Stains

These are stains that have gotten beyond the tooth's surface. These deep stains in the enamel can be brought on by illness or damage to the teeth. Additionally, some pharmaceuticals or medical procedures can also cause them.

Since whitening toothpaste won't pierce the enamel of the teeth, one needs to utilise chemical teeth-whitening solutions or professional whitening procedures to address inherent stains.

How is Activated Charcoal Used in Dentistry?

Activated charcoal was first used in the 20th century, and its primary application was teeth whitening. The fine carbon powder made from burned coconut shells, olive pits, coal, sawdust, or bone char is often used to make activated charcoal. The charcoal undergoes a high-temperature activation process that modifies its internal structure and increases its porosity. Since chemical activation is quicker and more effective than heat processing, it is usually used.

Because activated charcoal is negatively charged, it is more likely to draw positively charged molecules—like plaque and dental stains—to it. According to some observational research, activated charcoal absorbs plaque buildup on the surface of teeth. Moreover, activated charcoal has a remarkable capacity to draw in other substances that cause extrinsic tooth discolouration. Because activated charcoal is an adsorbent, it can remove hazardous substances.

How Does Charcoal Toothpaste Clean Teeth?

Because charcoal is abrasive, toothpaste containing charcoal is beneficial for both appearance and health. It works as a scrub and absorbs stains on the surface. However, higher abrasiveness does not always translate into better teeth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) employs a standardised scale called Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) to assess the safety and effectiveness of toothpaste and toothpowder. Paste with no more than 250 RDA is eligible for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which is given to goods based on safety and effectiveness. This includes alternatives that include charcoal. The American Dental Association (ADA) determined that toothpastes at or below 2.5 times the standard abrasive's reference value of 100 RDA were safe and effective.

Joyce Kahng, owner of Orange and Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, California, and a cosmetic and restorative dentist says, "I always turn to the RDA level of a toothpaste." Unexpectedly, not every charcoal product has a high RDA (abrasive). The problem is that forceful scrubbing, encouraged by charcoal powders and toothpaste, removes enamel when paired with charcoal products, the speaker continues.

"When used properly and gently, a low-RDA charcoal product is used safely." However, dentists often advise against [using] charcoal products since they vary so much [in terms of abrasiveness], says Dr Kahng.

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten Teeth?

Because charcoal is incredibly porous, its ability to absorb the chemicals that cause dental discolouration is the basis for the toothpaste's claimed whitening properties. But surface stain removal is a less long-term solution than in-office teeth-whitening operations. Frequently found causes of surface stains include highly pigmented foods, red wine, coffee, and smoke. Usually, these enamel layer stains are eliminated with careful brushing or surface whitening procedures. Conversely, deeper intrinsic stains originate from inside the tooth and are caused by trauma, drug side effects, and poor enamel, among other things. Therefore, according to a critical study published in the Dentistry Journal, intrinsic stains would not change without a whitening technique that penetrates the enamel, like bleaching with peroxides, even if charcoal toothpaste eliminates surface discolouration.

Additionally, there is a clear distinction between breaking through and harming the enamel. Dr. Kahng states, "Charcoal toothpaste can be effective in instantly brightening teeth, but it should be used with caution in the long term." When teeth are brushed aggressively, and for an extended period, the enamel is stripped off, revealing the dentin, a more yellow-coloured layer of the tooth that causes discomfort. Once enamel is gone, it is harder to whiten using conventional techniques," she says.

What are the Oral Health Benefits of Activated Charcoal Toothpaste?

Enlisted below are the proven oral health benefits of activated charcoal.

1. Removes accumulated plaque

Studies have shown that activated charcoal bonds with acidic substances; it helps raise the pH of the oral cavity. Additionally, it causes the mouth's acidic substances to be eliminated more quickly. Activated charcoal hence removes plaque and relieves halitosis or foul breath odour.

2. Removes superficial stains and makes the teeth appear whiter

On the enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth structure, extrinsic stains gradually build up. These slowly appearing stains are caused by chemicals in wine, coffee, smoke, and other foods that stain. These stains impact the teeth's overall cosmetic appearance. Teeth become whiter overall due to the extrinsic stains being absorbed by activated charcoal. But toothpaste with activated charcoal is unable to absorb internal or intrinsic stains. It is inappropriate to think of brushing the teeth with charcoal toothpaste as a bleaching or whitening procedure. Chemical teeth whitening eliminates interior stains and operates on a different method. 

What are the Cons of Activated Charcoal Toothpaste?

Although charcoal toothpaste has numerous benefits, there are some drawbacks to consider.

1. It Does Not Remove Stains Below the Tooth's Surface

Charcoal effectively removes stains on the surface, but it is ineffective in removing deeper stains. If one is serious about teeth whitening, he'll need a treatment or product that removes stains from both the surface and the inside of the teeth.

Substances like red wine, coffee, tobacco, and certain meals often cause extrinsic, surface stains. Different whitening procedures and whitening toothpaste can eliminate these stains. Conversely, intrinsic stains originate from inside the tooth. They are brought on by damaged enamel, trauma, excessive fluoride use, or the use of certain drugs. 

2. Activated Charcoal is Abrasive

One of charcoal toothpaste's main disadvantages is its abrasive nature. With continued usage, it actually causes the teeth to seem more yellow by eroding tooth enamel.

3. It Stains Dental Restorations

Using charcoal toothpaste discolours restorations like oral crowns, veneers, bridges, or white fillings. These stains are difficult to remove and draw attention to the repairs.

4. Long-Term Effects

Although activated charcoal is a natural substance, it is not always safe to use over an extended period. We are still trying to determine charcoal toothpaste's safety and long-term consequences. In light of the abundance of well-researched and tested teeth-whitening options available, it is not worthwhile to jeopardise dental health.

5. Some Charcoal Toothpaste Products Do Not Contain Fluoride

While charcoal assists with surface stains and even foul breath, it cannot replace fluoride as a cavity preventive. Because certain charcoal toothpaste products don't include fluoride, they don't provide the same level of cavity prevention as conventional toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and guard against decay and cavities.

6. Charcoal Toothpaste is Not Appropriate for Everyone

Some people shouldn't use charcoal toothpaste, like:

• Women who are nursing or expecting
• Individuals who use oral medications
• Individuals using birth control

The mucous membranes in the mouth absorb charcoal toothpaste, which, if swallowed, obstructs the absorption of drugs and other substances.

7. It is Messy

Another major disadvantage of charcoal toothpaste is its messy nature. When one spits, even store-bought charcoal toothpaste becomes messy. Be ready for a lengthier cleanup period when using this kind of toothpaste. 

What are the Teeth Whitening Alternatives to Charcoal Toothpaste?

The American Dental Association states that over-the-counter whitening solutions with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are often considered safe and worthwhile. These goods include gel trays, whitening strips, and several toothpaste brands. To be deemed safe and awarded the Seal of Acceptance, a product must demonstrate its safety and effectiveness via clinical or laboratory research.

Patients seek dentist-supervised teeth whitening procedures in a dental clinic. Which choice is ideal for a person depends on their dental health and objectives for teeth whitening, as well as the dentist. Naturally, prevention is essential. For instance, consuming typical stain-causing foods and drinks in moderation helps lessen their impact on the colour of teeth.

How to Prevent Tooth Stains?

As an alternative to charcoal toothpaste, try these natural home remedies:

• Maintaining good dental hygiene at home helps keep the smile brighter. This includes brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing, and washing the mouth after meals and beverages.
• Baking soda is a beneficial teeth-whitening agent. It isn't very polite, but not as much as popular whiteners like apple cider vinegar or activated charcoal.
• Although hydrogen peroxide naturally whitens teeth, using too much of it might damage gums and tooth enamel. Hydrogen peroxide dental procedures performed in-office better than peroxide treatments performed at home.

What are Dental Health Strategies to Keep the Teeth free of Stains?

The following are the top 5 strategies to keep the pearly whites free of stains:

1. Maintain good oral hygiene daily to prevent tooth discolouration. Brush and floss many times a day to get rid of food particles and dangerous germs that lead to tooth decay, poor breath, and an unbalanced microbiome. Rather than using charcoal toothpaste, which harms the teeth, use a prebiotic toothpaste devoid of fluoride.
2. Reduce your intake of acidic meals, sugar, red wine, coffee, and other toxic foods that are terrible for teeth. Replace them with delicious foods for teeth, such as crisp fruits and vegetables, meals high in calcium, and green tea.
3. Oil pulling lowers harmful microorganisms in the mouth, reducing the chances of tooth discolouration, gum disease, and cavities. Pulling coconut oil contains inherent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. It also encourages clean breath!
4. Maintain a healthy oral microbiota. Cut down on carbohydrates, stay away from alcohol that dries out the mouth, and think about taking oral probiotics to restore good flora in the mouth. Yellow teeth stains occur from hazardous bacteria growing more quickly on the surface of the teeth if the microbiome is out of balance.
5. It is essential to see the dentist twice a year. A dentist should clean the teeth and check for early indicators of oral disease every six months.

If you notice a sudden change in the texture, colour, or sensitivity of teeth, schedule a quick visit to the dentist.

People Also Ask

How long does it take to notice results with charcoal toothpaste?

The time taken to observe positive results with the use of charcoal toothpaste depend on various factors such as the severity of stains, consistency in use, and individual differences in terms of tooth enamel. Typically, most users of activated charcoal toothpaste often report a significant difference within a week of regular use, while others may take multiple weeks to observe similar outcomes. It is essential to follow the instructions of use on the packaging of the toothpaste as excessive use leads to further damage due to enamel erosion.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

Further scientific study is required to better understand the long-term impact of charcoal toothpaste on oral health. In fact, given the unsubstantiated claims of safety and effectiveness regarding charcoal-based toothpaste, a 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association recommends dentists caution their patients against using it.  Additionally, since it's always possible to swallow toothpaste while brushing, some people must avoid using toothpaste containing activated charcoal. These people include those who are pregnant, nursing, taking oral contraceptives, and taking other oral medications like blood pressure, diabetes, and other medications. Although the effects of charcoal toothpaste on pharmaceuticals have not been well studied, activated charcoal binds to drugs and alters their efficacy when ingested. Depending on the medical history, the dentist advises a person on whether using charcoal toothpaste as part of the dental hygiene regimen is suitable.

Conclusion

One of the latest trends in cosmetics and health is charcoal. Activated charcoal, a fine-grain powder found in toothpaste and cosmetic products, is produced by oxidising wood, coconut shells, and other natural materials at very high temperatures. Black toothpaste, sometimes known as charcoal, is created by heating charcoal in the presence of a gas, such as nitrogen or argon, to produce activated charcoal.

A standardised scale called Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) is employed to assess the safety and effectiveness of toothpaste and toothpowder. Paste with no more than 250 RDA is eligible for the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which is given to goods based on safety and effectiveness. This includes alternatives that include charcoal. According to experts, toothpastes at or below 2.5 times the standard abrasive's reference value of 100 RDA were safe and effective. Because charcoal is incredibly porous, its ability to absorb the chemicals that cause dental discolouration is the basis for the toothpaste's claimed whitening properties. Charcoal toothpaste can be effective in instantly brightening teeth, but it should be used with caution in the long term. The benefits of activated charcoal toothpaste include its ability to remove accumulated plaque and superficial stains to make the teeth look whiter. The disadvantages of activated charcoal toothpaste include its inability to remove stains from below the tooth’s surface, abrasive properties, staining dental restorations and the general absence of fluoride in the paste.