One of the top trends in the health and cosmetics industries is charcoal. It’s become a popular component in branded face washes and masks; some people swear by it for teeth whitening.

The kind of activated charcoal used in cosmetics and toothpaste is a fine-grained powder created by oxidizing wood, coconut shells, and other natural materials at high temperatures. Today, there are several charcoal toothpaste options accessible both online and in the majority of drugstores. It is used in medicine to absorb and eliminate poisons since it is very absorbent. But is it worth it to be used? Let’s find out.

Is toothpaste with charcoal safe?

The long-term effects of charcoal toothpaste need more study. According to a 2017 analysis, dentists, such as Pediatric Dentist Indianapolis IN, should caution their patients against using charcoal-based toothpaste due to untested claims and safety concerns.

What is now known about toothpaste with charcoal is as follows:

• For daily usage, charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive: Your enamel might deteriorate if you use a overly abrasive substance on your teeth. Due to the dentin exposure, a calcified yellow tissue, your teeth may seem more yellow. Your teeth may become more sensitive as a result.
• Fluoride is often absent from brands of toothpaste with charcoal: Your tooth enamel is kept strong by fluoride, which helps to guard your teeth against decay and cavities. Some data suggest that charcoal toothpaste causes more tooth decay.
• Some teeth may get stained as a result: older teeth may develop accumulations of charcoal in their fissures and fractures.

What benefits can toothpaste with the charcoal offer?

The following are the advantages of charcoal toothpaste:

• It can be able to get rid of surface spots on your teeth.
• It could reduce foul breath.
• Applying infrequently after a professional cleaning could aid in stain prevention.

What drawbacks does toothpaste with charcoal have?

The following are some drawbacks of using charcoal toothpaste:

• Because it is abrasive, it might wear away tooth enamel and cause teeth to look yellow.
• Stains underneath the enamel are not removed.
• Regular usage may make teeth more sensitive.
• Fluoride, which helps prevent cavities and tooth decay, is absent from most products.
• It could discolor older teeth and dental treatments, including white fillings, bridges, crowns, and veneers.
• Its safety and long-term consequences are yet unknown.
• Teeth that have had their enamel worn away may be sensitive. Remember that enamel cannot grow back.
• Because carbon tends to absorb everything it comes in touch with, any medicines you’ve been taking can lose some of their therapeutic benefits.
• If you have fillings in your teeth, you risk the charcoal staining them and developing ugly black spots. In the end, utilizing charcoal for teeth whitening can have the opposite effect of what you want.
• It is not suggested to use charcoal for teeth whitening if you have oral ulcers or sores. Before using the goods, schedule a comprehensive examination with Pediatric Dentistry Indianapolis IN.
• Be careful not to unintentionally breathe the powder in.
• Before using carbon, discuss its effects with Children Dental Indianapolis IN if you have dental crowns, implants, or veneers.
• Avoid rubbing your gums while cleaning your teeth with charcoal to avoid irritating the tissues.
• Use caution while using certain products since sorbitol may be present. Natural sweetener sorbitol is added to toothpaste to give it a more flavorful taste. However, consuming too much might result in irritable bowel syndrome, gas, and diarrhea (IBS).

Does charcoal make teeth whiter?

The claim that charcoal toothpaste helps remove stains and debris from teeth isn’t entirely accurate. The majority of the time, intrinsic stains cause teeth to become discolored. These stains cannot be eliminated by pulling them out of the teeth with charcoal.

Deeper stains, also known as intrinsic stains, are dark coloration that originates from inside the tooth and may be brought on by weakened enamel, certain drugs, and excessive fluoride usage. Only procedures that reach below the teeth’s surface can remove these kinds of stains.

The substances we consume in our mouths, such as coffee, red wine, cigarettes, and dark-colored meals and beverages, cause surface stains. They may be eliminated with toothpaste or surface whitening procedures and are found on the enamel layer. But often, charcoal toothpaste doesn’t stay in touch with teeth long enough to make a noticeable impact.

A 2021 research comparing the whitening effects of charcoal toothpaste to ordinary fluoride toothpaste revealed no difference in whitening. It was determined that since stains and plaque had been removed, using charcoal toothpaste can temporarily provide the impression that your teeth are whiter. But over time, charcoal toothpaste just wears away tooth enamel, which never grows back.

Utilize charcoal products properly

Keep these safety measures in mind if you want to utilize carbon solutions safe for dental hygiene and teeth whitening. Avoid putting the paste on a toothbrush and using it normally. You run the danger of the enamel eroding and the teeth becoming yellow. Use a pinch or the necessary quantity and gently massage it into your finger. To remove the debris from the gaps between the gums and teeth, you may need to rinse many times. There are several items you can buy in capsule form. You may think about popping the capsule open, putting the powder in your mouth, and gargling for a few minutes.

Charcoal may safely whiten teeth, but it can also discolor the tile in your bathroom sink. To remove the discoloration, you may need to clean down the surfaces. Avoid spillage and keep the items away from children and animals. This is because carbon may permanently discolor the tile grout.

Regular toothpaste cannot be replaced with charcoal

You should be aware that charcoal toothpaste often lacks fluoride if it promises to remove dental plaque and prevent cavities. To keep your teeth healthy, you must use a simple toothpaste if you live somewhere where the water is fluoridated. If you must use carbon, do so as a complement rather than a substitute for oral hygiene supplies. Additionally, make sure you see the Childrens Dentist Indianapolis IN for routine examinations so they can evaluate the condition of your teeth. Although safe, charcoal cannot replace routine dental care. This is important to remember.

The conclusion

Despite receiving much media coverage and attention, charcoal toothpaste does not outperform other kinds of toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening solutions. The small number of trials may help eliminate surface stains, but its long-term effectiveness is yet uncertain. Consult Kids Dentist Indianapolis IN to determine the most effective teeth whitening method for you.