Why Charcoal Toothpaste Can Be Bad for Your Teeth

Charcoal toothpaste can easily be found in any store today. Charcoal is a very popular addition to many beauty and skincare products: it can be found in masks, gels, scrubs, face washes, etc. It’s been added to toothpastes now, too. But if you were rather skeptical about the effectiveness or safety of such toothpastes, you might have been right.

Activated charcoal is known for its absorbent abilities, and people have been using it for centuries. It was and is still used in medicine to treat poisonings or overdoses, as toxins and other harmful particles can stick to it, making it easier to treat the patient. But does activated charcoal toothpaste work in the same way?

Charcoal Toothpaste in History

Actually, charcoal paste for teeth was used in ancient Greece and Rome. Ancient Greeks and Romans would brush teeth with charcoal mixed with crushed bones. It was supposed to help with black gums and bad breath. It could actually help ancient people with black gums because of charcoal’s abrasive features, but it wasn’t supposed to whiten teeth.

The problem is that today’s black charcoal toothpastes are advertised as teeth-whitening pastes. It should be said that yes, these toothpastes can remove some “fresh” stains, but they can’t treat discolored teeth. This is because this condition is caused by stains that can’t be removed by just washing them away. It usually requires special treatment at the dentist’s.

Danger of Charcoal Toothpaste

The danger lies in charcoal’s abrasive abilities. Activated charcoal can be bad for teeth as it can cause tooth enamel to wear down. It doesn’t happen over one brushing, but it could lead to enamel loss over the course of a few months. As you know, the enamel doesn’t grow back, and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

There’s no charcoal teeth whitening toothpaste, as these toothpastes don’t work that way. Sure, they can help with some food stains, and you might notice a bit of a difference after using a black toothpaste. However, brushing teeth with charcoal only damages the enamel, wearing it away eventually. Enamel loss can lead to a variety of teeth issues, sensitive teeth being the most harmless one of them. Unlike charcoal toothpaste, modern toothpastes are designed specifically to have minimal impact on teeth. It’s better to use regular toothpaste to avoid any possible damage. If you have any concerns, it’s always better to consult with your dentist first, as he can evaluate the condition of your teeth and tell you if it’s safe to use black charcoal toothpaste or not.

If you choose to use a charcoal whitening toothpaste, make sure to use it in moderation. Brush your teeth very gently to reduce the risk of possibly damaging your enamel. This charcoal toothpaste should not replace your regular toothpaste. If you’re not sure it would be safe for you, we advise you to schedule an appointment with your dentist. He would tell you if a black charcoal toothpaste is safe for you to use every once in a while or offer other teeth-whitening alternatives.

Speaking about alternatives, there’s a variety of teeth whitening toothpastes that don’t contain charcoal. Make sure to use approved toothpastes only and consult with your dentist if you have any doubts. In the end, the best way to keep your teeth white and healthy is actually keeping good oral hygiene, brushing and rinsing at least twice a day. Limiting consumption of teeth-staining foods like coffee and wine should also help. If you do that, you won’t ever need a charcoal toothpaste.

Don’t forget to go through regular dental check-ups. If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth, it’s better to consult with your dentist. He’ll most likely advise you to stop using a black toothpaste and provide you with healthy alternatives, including teeth-whitening procedures in the doctor’s office. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us!