Charcoal Toothpaste: How It Can Harm Your Oral Health

How Charcoal Toothpaste Can Harm Oral Health

Are you in search of solutions for a whiter, brighter smile? If so, you are not alone. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) reports that when asking people what they wanted to improve most about their smiles, the majority responded that they wanted whiter teeth. With all the buzz about whitening using charcoal toothpaste, it’s important to stay informed about the harms it can pose to your oral health.

Charcoal Toothpaste Overview

Over the years, many teeth whitening trends have taken off in popularity, including charcoal-based toothpaste. Unfortunately, there’s no scientific evidence to back up charcoal toothpaste’s benefits for teeth. In reality, it has been found to do your teeth more harm than good. 

The type of charcoal in charcoal-based toothpaste is not the same as the one you use for your barbeque. It is actually activated charcoal which has many medicinal uses. Emergency rooms often use it for poisoning or drug overdoses because of its porous nature, which helps prevent certain types of toxins from being absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream.

How Charcoal Toothpaste Harms Your Oral Health

When it comes to teeth whitening, there has been no data to support the claims that activated charcoal is safe or effective. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), this ingredient’s abrasive texture may harm teeth, rather than whiten them, by wearing down tooth enamel. Moreover, charcoal may cause teeth to appear more yellow because wearing down tooth enamel exposes dentin, which is yellow in appearance. 

When your enamel is weakened, your teeth aren’t as protected, which can potentially result in sensitivity and tooth decay. The charcoal particles can also get caught up in the gums, irritating them. Using charcoal whitening toothpaste can cause permanent damage to healthy teeth and gums. 

Safe Teeth Whitening Options in McKinney, TX

At Tracey Dental, we are proud to offer safe and effective teeth whitening to help you achieve your radiant smile. Best of all, you won’t have to worry about damaging your teeth or gums. Contact us and schedule your appointment today!