If you like looking for new, innovative ways to keep your teeth white, you’ve probably heard of charcoal toothpaste. Some people tout it as a natural teeth whitening agent that eradicates stains caused by smoking, coffee, and red wine. However, most dentists wouldn’t recommend it. To help you make the best decisions for your oral health, here’s what you should know about charcoal toothpaste. 

A Guide to Charcoal Toothpaste

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste contains activated charcoal. To activate charcoal, formulators heat it alongside a gas so it develops large, absorbent pores that trap toxins. Doctors often use activated charcoal to treat food poisoning and drug overdoses, and you’ll also find it in many water filtration systems. Some individuals believe the substance whitens teeth by trapping and removing stains, which is why you’ll see it as an ingredient in certain toothpastes or as a powder to be applied with a damp toothbrush. 

The Dangers of Charcoal Toothpaste 

Despite the recent popularity of charcoal toothpaste, the majority of dentists don’t recommend it because its abrasiveness can lead to enamel erosion. Once your enamel erodes, it won’t grow back, and you’ll face a higher risk of tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, and gum disease. In addition, many charcoal toothpastes don’t contain the teeth-strengthening mineral known as fluoride, further increasing your risk of tooth decay. 

Along with harming your oral health, charcoal toothpaste probably won’t whiten your teeth as you’d hope. Although your smile might appear whiter at first, you may eventually notice more of your teeth’s yellowish inner dentin due to enamel erosion. In addition, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, one-third of charcoal dental products contain bentonite clay, an ingredient the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers to avoid because it contains lead. 

Options for Whiter Teeth

Although you should steer clear of charcoal toothpaste, you don’t have to give up on whitening your teeth. Instead of charcoal, try dentist-approved approaches. For the safest and most reliable outcome, opt for in-office teeth whitening. The process takes about an hour, and you’ll see sparkling results immediately afterward.

Your dentist can also supply at-home whitening trays and bleaching gels. Safe and effective, most whitening tray solutions begin to reduce staining after a few treatments. 

You can also brighten your smile by using whitening toothpastes approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). You can try ADA-approved whitening strips, too, which are safe and affordable.

When you need safe and reliable teeth whitening, turn to Susan Kleier, DMD. For more than 30 years, Dr. Kleier and her team have provided general, pediatric, and cosmetic dental care to residents across Lexington, KY. They offer in-office Zoom whitening treatments as well as take-home Opalescence whitening gels to give you the bright, healthy smile you deserve. Learn more about their services online, or call (859) 225-1188 to schedule an appointment.