What’s The Deal With Charcoal Toothpaste?

In recent years, charcoal toothpaste has become a trendy dental care product because of its stunning black color and perceived teeth whitening benefits. For these reasons, many people are curious about whether or not charcoal toothpaste is more beneficial than standard toothpaste. In this article, we’ll give you all the information we can about charcoal toothpaste to help you make an informed decision the next time you are thinking about buying it!

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste? 

Charcoal toothpaste is a toothpaste that contains activated charcoal, giving it a distinct black color. Charcoal has chemical absorption properties, which is why it has been used as a treatment for different kinds of poisoning for thousands of years. Charcoal has been an ingredient in some toothpastes since the late 1800s, but only recently has the distinct, black colored toothpaste become so popular. Charcoal toothpaste brands claim that their products have many different benefits, including teeth whitening, absorption of the bacteria that causes bad breath, and prevention of future stains.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?  

According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, there is no evidence that shows dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth. This is because charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for everyday use, as it can wear down your enamel and lead to your teeth looking more yellow. 

Is Charcoal Toothpaste More Effective Than Regular Toothpaste? 

Some brands of charcoal toothpaste do not contain fluoride, which is a key ingredient in preventing tooth decay. This is a significant drawback to charcoal toothpaste because fluoride helps to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Using a toothpaste without fluoride may increase the risk of dental problems in the long run. Rather than using a charcoal toothpaste, you should use a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which signifies that the product is safe and effective!

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you have any additional questions about charcoal toothpaste or are curious about how you can improve your at-home oral health routine, don’t hesitate to contact Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at one of our offices, or become a patient today by filling out the new patient form on our website!