Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Charcoal toothpaste is the latest fad on the toothpaste scene. When something is new and in style we know our tweens and teens will be interested to try it out.

When we brush our teeth we’re used to seeing the usual white foam our toothpaste produces, however, charcoal toothpaste covers the teeth with a dark black slurry.

Charcoal Toothpaste Really Looks Like Charcoal
Charcoal Toothpaste Really Looks Like Charcoal

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste is made with activated charcoal. This is similar to regular charcoal used for the bbq, but it is heat treated to make it more porous. Being more porous makes it highly absorbent and able to trap different types of particles.

Because of its coarse texture charcoal has a history of being used to clean teeth. In 2019 The British Dental Journal looked into this and found that some current toothpastes claim that the absorbent charcoal works by binding to the plaque and stains on teeth, which is then brushed away.

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Benefit My Child’s Oral Health?

Charcoal toothpaste benefits from the perception that it works because it is natural.

However there isn’t any evidence to show any advantages for charcoal toothpaste.

Many toothpastes made with charcoal do not contain fluoride, and it’s the fluoride which has all the benefits in helping protect teeth from cavities.

Even if the label on the charcoal toothpaste tube says it has fluoride, the activated charcoal can bind up the fluoride and make it less available and able to protect and strengthen teeth.

In the 2019 British Dental Journal study, they found another concern – charcoal can get caught in the gums and cause irritation.

Will Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten My Teenager’s Teeth?

Charcoal toothpastes claim that they will bring a shine back to your child’s smile. However these toothpastes are abrasive, so they have the potential to scrape off stains from teeth.

Using toothpastes that are abrasive on your teen’s teeth can actually make them look more yellow. This is because it’s the enamel that you and your child are looking to whiten and by using a toothpaste that is too rough you can actually wear the enamel away.

When the enamel wears away it can never grow back, and the next layer of your child’s tooth will become exposed. This next layer is a softer, yellow tissue called dentin.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe For My Child?

The 2 main risks of charcoal toothpaste are its abrasiveness and lack of fluoride.

The abrasiveness by wearing away the protective enamel layer on the teeth uncovers the soft yellow dentin which causes teeth to become sensitive.

Besides causing sensitivity, stripping away the enamel can also make teeth more prone to chipping.

Fluoride is the most well known ingredient in toothpaste. Safe amounts of fluoride in your toothpaste help strengthen the teeth’s enamel. The ADA has labeled fluoride safe and effective for regular use to help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.

Charcoal Toothpaste, Just A Trend?

There really aren’t any tangible benefits to charcoal toothpaste.

The Journal of The American Dental Association (September,2017) showed there is no evidence that dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth.

What To Do?

Today’s toothpaste and toothbrushes are designed to clean the teeth surfaces gently.

It’s best to choose a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This Seal lets you know the toothpaste you choose is safe, effective and won’t damage your teen’s teeth.

Has your family tried charcoal toothpaste? What do you think about charcoal in toothpaste? Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Unknown's avatar

Published by kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.