The charcoal toothpaste has been taking social media platforms by storm for the past couple of years – dark, intense, and boasting of brilliant results on stained teeth. The product has been touted in various beauty forums, recommended by celebrities, and sold by pharmacies and retail stores in India. But then, what is the opinion of a dentist about this product?

It goes beyond a straightforward yes or no answer — and comprehending why requires knowledge on how to keep your teeth healthy in the long run.

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal is another carbon which is processed to make it highly porous. It has been used in hospitals for the treatment of some kinds of poisonings owing to its property of binding and absorption of toxins. The principle of using charcoal in toothpaste lies in the same ability of the substance to bind stains and bacteria present on the surface of teeth.

Charcoal toothpaste looks very impressive; it is a black toothpaste made either from coconut shells or wood or any other source of carbon.

What Charcoal Toothpaste Can (and Cannot) Do

The Risks – Why Most Dentists Are Cautious

1. Enamel Abrasion

This is what makes all the difference. Charcoal toothpaste is considerably more abrasive than the regular toothpaste. In fact, according to new research, the abrasivity of charcoal toothpaste ranges from two to three times more than the recommended threshold levels. This implies that regular brushing of the teeth with charcoal toothpaste will gradually wear down the enamel coating the surface of the teeth.

The enamel is the hard, white substance covering the surface of the teeth. As enamel starts wearing out, there will be an increased sensitivity to both hot and cold foodstuffs. Teeth will become more prone to decay and, even though paradoxically, turn yellow. This happens since the inner layer of the teeth (dentine) has a yellowish tint.

2. No Fluoride Protection

The vast majority of charcoal toothpastes does not contain fluoride. It is one of the main issues. In fact, the role of fluoride is to protect teeth from decay by strengthening the enamel and healing minor damage to the teeth surface before they turn into cavities. Thus, the choice of a charcoal toothpaste will mean the loss of protection.

In Chennai, where diets usually involve acids, spices, and sugar-rich beverages, fluoride protection is a must.

3. Staining Dental Restorations

It often comes as a shock to patients. The size of charcoal particles allows them to become embedded in the margins of dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, composite fillings, and implant crowns. This eventually results in staining in the margins of restorations which cannot be removed easily and affects aesthetics of the mouth. In case you have had any cosmetic dental procedure or a restoration done, it is something to think about.

4. Gum Irritation

The abrasive nature of charcoal that partially cleanses the enamel teeth also cleanses your gums every time you brush. The gum tissues can get irritated and inflamed due to the presence of charcoal particles while brushing.

Why Is It So Popular in India Despite These Concerns?

Some things make it popular. Charcoal toothpaste is sold under the slogan ‘natural,’ which is quite trustworthy in India’s health community — not necessarily implying safety though. Also, charcoal toothpaste is relatively cheap and widely accessible on the internet and in drugstores. It looks impressive and convincing to see on social media — the dark paste resulting in a white smile makes an impression.

However, ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean ‘safe’ and ‘impressive video’ doesn’t always mean ‘effective treatment.’ The clinical evidence of charcoal toothpaste is pretty clear — dangers prevail over advantages.

What Actually Works for Whiter Teeth?

If you’re looking to get whiter teeth without hurting your enamel, there are better choices:

• Clinic-based teeth whitening treatments: The most effective way. Uses controlled amounts of hydrogen peroxide to lighten intrinsic tooth color without damaging the enamel if done properly. The effects will also last longer than any at-home whitening product.
• Teeth whitening kits prescribed by a dentist: Custom mouth trays along with whitening gels prescribed by your dentist; a safer and more effective option than the over-the-counter ones.
• Toothpastes containing fluoride and ADA-approved: Toothpaste formulations that have low abrasiveness and fluoride to reduce surface stains in the teeth.
• Professional cleaning: A scale-and-polish procedure done by dentists which removes tartar and surface stains without using any chemicals.

Should You Use Charcoal Toothpaste at All?

Occasional use, that is once per week at most, does not seem to pose major dangers to the enamel of a healthy individual. However, it cannot substitute a regular toothpaste, which contains fluoride, and is not recommended for daily use.

Individuals who have sensitivity issues with their teeth, enamel erosion already taking place, dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, and composite fillings, or gum recession do not need this product.

To sum up, the momentary effect of this product is not worth the damage to your enamel in the long term. You better consult your dentist and see what is available for your particular case.

Teeth Whitening at Global Dentistry, Perumbakkam & Ottiyambakkam

In our Dental clinic in Perumbakkam and Ottiyambakkam, Chennai, we frequently have patients come to us after using charcoal toothpaste on their teeth for many months. The discussions on how much better other alternatives never fail to happen because there are better products available, and they are pretty simple.

Global Dentistry  provides professional teeth cleaning, professional teeth whitening, and personalized advice for your oral health in Perumbakkam, Medavakkam, Ottiyambakkam, Sithalapakkam, and neighboring localities. If you would like to get whiter teeth but without ruining your enamel, we have the perfect solution for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is charcoal toothpaste safe to use daily?

It should be noted that most dentists would discourage using charcoal toothpaste every day due to its highly abrasive quality, which would gradually wear off the enamel as a result of brushing. Additionally, charcoal toothpaste does not contain fluoride, and hence one’s teeth would not be protected from tooth decay. Using such toothpaste once a week, or even less often, will not be harmful to one’s teeth.

Q2: Does charcoal toothpaste actually whiten teeth?

Nevertheless, it may be useful in removing discolorations caused by coffee, tea, and other products which make one’s teeth yellowish. However, this toothpaste is incapable of changing the color of one’s teeth, meaning that its effect on one’s teeth color is just temporary. Teeth can be whitened effectively through professional whitening treatments or dentist-approved whitening products.

Q3: Can charcoal toothpaste damage enamel?

Yes, in the long run. Charcoal toothpaste is much more abrasive than regular toothpaste. Scientists proved that it can exceed the permissible level of abrasiveness, which is approved by dental associations. With time, it causes abrasion of the enamel that once damaged will never be able to regenerate. This increases teeth sensitivity and makes them prone to cavities.

Q4: Why don’t most dentists recommend charcoal toothpaste?

There are two basic reasons – the abrasion of enamel and the absence of fluoride in the toothpaste. Fluoride is needed to protect your teeth against decay and repair any damage to the enamel. When you switch from regular toothpaste containing fluoride to charcoal toothpaste, you lose this protection. The study published in the British Dental Journal in 2019 failed to prove its efficacy and safety.

Q5: What is a safer alternative to charcoal toothpaste for whiter teeth?

The best and most efficient way is to use professional in-office teeth whitening services. One of the alternatives might be whitening kits provided by a dentist to use at home in custom trays. To maintain the results, one should use low abrasion fluoride toothpaste that has whitening effects. In addition, teeth cleaning and scaling appointments will also help remove surface stains without chemical treatment.

Q6: Can I get teeth whitening at Global Dentistry in Perumbakkam?

Yes, Global Dentistry provides dental services in Perumbakkam and Ottiyambakkam, Chennai. Our clinic provides professional dental cleaning and whitening consultation services. If you need safer and more efficient teeth whitening than charcoal toothpaste, then our dental professionals are always ready to help. Our clinic accepts patients from Medavakkam, Sithalapakkam, and surrounding areas.