Dr Michael Smith D.M.D.

Does Charcoal Activated Toothpaste Really Work?

When it comes to purchasing tooth paste, you have about a zillion choices. Fluoride or no fluoride; with baking soda or without; bleaching, sensitive or normal- these are simply a few choices you can make, and that doesn’t even include the flavors you can choose from. However, should you be choosing a toothpaste which contains charcoal? Charcoal toothpaste is a trend that is boosting in appeal, however before you reach for that tube, read this to find out if it is right for you.

Does Charcoal Tooth Paste Work?

Although some individuals declare that brushing with charcoal toothpaste works to get rid of spots and microorganisms and even whiten teeth without whitening, there has actually not been extensive study into the benefits, performance and safety of charcoal tooth paste.

Beyond questions regarding its efficiency, medical professionals warn that consuming charcoal can be dangerous. Along with the threat of severe overdose, charcoal tooth paste has potential to:

Damage tooth enamel and periodontal tissue. Charcoal can damage your teeth and gum tissues because of its rough qualities.

Impact medications. Charcoal has high absorption qualities, which indicates it can bind itself to medicines and supplements, which can adversely impact your health and wellness.

Disrupt digestion. Charcoal can trigger bowel irregularity as well as intestinal blockages with time, as a result of prolonged charcoal use. Charcoal also causes black stools and adjustments in color to the tongue.

Leave teeth in jeopardy of tooth decay.

Because charcoal tooth paste does not have fluoride, it does not aid to remineralize the teeth and fight dental cavities. As a result, some people that brush with charcoal follow up with regular fluoride-containing toothpaste. However, doubling up on brushing can damage tooth enamel.
Dim smiles. Due to the dark and gritty nature of charcoal, individuals have to rinse it away.

Although using charcoal to brush teeth is trendy, it might not be smart. Rather than charcoal tooth paste, we advise that you choose a regular fluoride toothpaste with an American Dental Association seal of approval and brush a minimum of two times daily.