{"id":4254,"date":"2023-10-20T09:04:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T13:04:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/?p=4254"},"modified":"2024-05-16T13:55:07","modified_gmt":"2024-05-16T17:55:07","slug":"does-charcoal-toothpaste-really-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.opencare.com\/blog\/does-charcoal-toothpaste-really-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Does charcoal toothpaste really work?"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Charcoal is a huge trend right now in the beauty, health and wellness, and even food industries. (Hello, charcoal ice cream!) <\/span>Activated charcoal is finely ground product derived from various natural substances, including wood and coconut shells. It\u2019s oxidized under extreme heat to achieve its composition. In the dental industry, charcoal toothpaste has emerged as a significant trend, with whitening benefits that have compelled lots of consumers to switch. But does charcoal toothpaste work?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What is charcoal toothpaste?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Manufactured with active charcoal, these toothpaste formulas help eliminate stains and toxins on the surface of the teeth. They\u2019re also mildly abrasive, which allows them to polish and absorb all kinds of stains.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Toothpaste manufacturers claim charcoal toothpaste whitens the teeth by dulling or removing the stains on the enamel of teeth. However, there isn\u2019t much credible evidence to corroborate these effects or understand how charcoal works to whiten teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Does charcoal toothpaste work to whiten teeth?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Charcoal first emerged as a dynamically useful oral-health ingredient when Hippocrates recommended it, and the ancient Greeks adopted its regular use. During the 1930s and 40s, charcoal chewing gums and powders emerged as popular products that freshened the mouth and promoted dental hygiene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, the market is ripe with charcoal toothpaste brands, floss, and mouthwash that appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. These products come with the promise of whitening teeth and detoxifying the mouth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Activated charcoal is a prominent treatment for overdoses and poisons, and it can readily absorb chemicals and toxins. A\u00a0<\/span>review<\/span><\/a>\u00a0published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reveals charcoal toothpaste to be effective and beneficial. The review examined several charcoal toothpaste brands and confirmed their ability to detoxify and whiten teeth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Another\u00a0<\/span>study<\/span><\/a>, published in the Journal of Applied Oral Sciences, attempted to study the benefits of charcoal alongside other teeth-whitening agents. The researchers stained cow\u2019s teeth with concentrated black tea and utilized several products to evaluate their performance. While activated charcoal didn’t claim the top spot, it did show some compelling benefits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The study revealed activated charcoal is a whitening agent that works by creating a coating around the enamel. This temporarily makes the teeth appear whiter and cleaner. The researchers discovered that using activated charcoal for four weeks led to credible teeth whitening effects. Research also showed abrasive compounds in charcoal whiten teeth by removing a layer of the tooth enamel, which carries risks with long-term use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n

Enamel is the hard outer layer of our teeth, and it\u2019s instrumental in preventing tooth decay. Removing this layer can make the teeth immensely vulnerable, sensitive, and weakened. It can also cause the teeth to become more yellow.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Many dental experts have voiced their concerns over the potential injuries regular use of charcoal can cause to the teeth. However, existing research on activated charcoal toothpaste fails to examine the safety and toxicity of these dental products. We always recommend you <\/span>find a dentist<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for consultation if you have specific dental issues or hygiene-related concerns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Is charcoal toothpaste safe?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before asking yourself “does charcoal toothpaste work?”, you should ask yourself “is charcoal toothpaste safe?”. Further research is required to examine the long-term side-effects and benefits of using charcoal toothpaste. Existing research has given us the following safety precautions:<\/span><\/p>\n