Lately, the ingredient called activated charcoal made its way into a slew of hygienic products — oral health care items included. Several toothpaste brands are incorporating activated charcoal because it allegedly whitens the teeth and removes toxins from the gums. The charcoal toothpaste trend spreads quickly, thanks in part to celebrity endorsements. These products, however, may do more harm than good, and experts will be quick to dispel its claims.

1. Charcoal Toothpaste
Does Not Whiten Teeth,
Experts Say
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2. Lately, the ingredient called activated charcoal made its way into a slew of hygienic products — oral
health care items included. Several toothpaste brands are incorporating activated charcoal because
it allegedly whitens the teeth and removes toxins from the gums. The charcoal toothpaste trend
spreads quickly, thanks in part to celebrity endorsements. These products, however, may do more
harm than good, and experts will be quick to dispel its claims.
Ineffective Teeth Whitening
According to the Oral Health Foundation in the UK, there are not enough clinical tests to back up the
teeth-whitening claims of charcoal toothpastes.
Dr Nigel Carter, CEO of the Foundation, stated that charcoal’s effects are only superficial. It can
remove the stains from the teeth but not its yellow tinge. He added that people should not readily
believe testimonials from famous endorsers because most celebrities undergo professional teeth
whitening. Their white teeth, therefore, are not a direct result of using the product.

3. Insufficient Fluoride Content
The Foundation also claimed that by swapping regular toothpaste for charcoal-infused ones, people
might not be receiving enough fluoride. Toothpaste must contain 1350 to 1500 parts per million of
fluoride to protect one’s teeth. Charcoal toothpaste, however, contains a lot less than the specified
amount. Therefore, it might not be able to provide enough protection and increase one’s risk for
tooth decay.
Abrasive Quality of Charcoal
Dr Carter added some charcoal products could even be abrasive enough to erode the teeth’s enamel.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of Physics: Conference Series revealed that using activated
charcoal makes the tooth enamel rougher. Bacteria, then, could cling to the teeth more, and lead
to cavities and periodontal disease. Worn enamel could also lead to tooth sensitivity.
Moreover, an article published by the Metro UK added that the concentration of peroxide needed to
change the tooth’s colour from yellow to white is 3%. But over the counter products in the country
contain, at most, 0.1%.

4. Individuals who want whiter teeth should consult with their dentists about new products on the
market to check if it is safe and if it has the specified amount of fluoride, says Dr Carter.
Additionally, he claimed that only professional dental services could effectively brighten one’s
smile.
Sources:
https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/details/977
https://www.menshealth.com/health/activated-charcoal-toothpaste
http://metro.co.uk/2017/10/04/dentists-warn-that-charcoal-toothpaste-wont-make-your-teeth-
whiter-and-may-increase-your-risk-of-tooth-decay-6976138/
https://www.dentistw2.co.uk/