Does charcoal toothpaste whiten teeth?

Facial scrubs, masks, and toothpaste are, nowadays, bombarded with an ingredient – charcoal. The rage of charcoal is real, and many people swear by its efficacy. Charcoal-activated toothpaste or powder emerged as a fad within the natural health market a few years ago. Currently, the trend is thriving, with more than 50 charcoal toothpaste present in the market. The looming question is whether charcoal toothpaste whitens teeth, or is it a mere placebo induced by the capitalist market’s marketing strategies? What is the rationale behind this ‘magical’ ingredient that pushes people to flaunt broad smiles in advertisements and social media?

Absorption V/S Adsorption

Activated charcoal is a fine grain powder produced from wood, coal, coconut shells, and other natural ingredients oxidized under optimum conditions. This activated charcoal is very different from the one used in barbeques, so DIY activated charcoal is out of the question. Well, what is the difference, you may ask! Barbeque charcoal contains many toxins and chemicals that can prove harmful for humans if ingested or absorbed. On the other hand, activated charcoal binds and traps the toxins and flushes them out of the body. Thus, activated charcoal adsorbs the toxins rather than absorbing them. The bone of contestation is absorption V/s adsorption.

Charcoal and Toothpaste – The Magical Mix?

Activated charcoal in toothpaste may help in removing surface stains from teeth. As charcoal is mildly abrasive, it can diminish and eradicate surface stains to a certain degree. The adhesive or adsorption properties of activated charcoal allow it to bind to surface-staining culprits like coffee, tea, red wine, etcetera, thereby removing them from your teeth.

So, charcoal-activated toothpaste may remove extrinsic teeth stains. This process is known as mechanical teeth whitening, which generally results from discoloration caused by smoking, frequent drinking of coffee, etc. Beyond surface-level effectiveness, the benefits of teeth-whitening from activated charcoal cease to exist. It is important to note that naturally darker teeth mandate a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide, and activated charcoal is not much of a savior in this situation.

On the contrary, intrinsic teeth stains get eliminated when an ingredient or treatment goes beyond the enamel and acts beneath. But, charcoal-activated toothpaste works on the surface-level and, hence, laying any conclusive claims on legitimate teeth whitening becomes controversial. Activated charcoal has many benefits like improving kidney functions, hangover prevention, skin treatment, etc., but teeth whitening may not be one of them, as per scientific backing.

Charcoal Activated Toothpaste – Are They Safe?

Charcoal-activated toothpaste helps remove surface stains, but they can be too abrasive for everyday use. Using a gritty substance can cause the enamel to wear down, making the teeth look more yellow by exposing the dentin. Also, most charcoal toothpaste does not contain fluoride, the ingredient necessary to strengthen enamel.

Thus, charcoal-activated toothpaste can whiten teeth to some extent, but this respite comes with many conditions. This popular product can only mar temporary and extrinsic teeth stains. Any issue beyond that requires dental and chemical intervention. One has to be mindful while using very abrasive products on the teeth and gums. Remember, it is always better to be gentle.

In case of discomfort, pain, or other issues related to teeth and gums, please visit your nearest dentist at the earliest.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.