You’ve probably seen the shocking pictures of people brushing their teeth with a black substance—maybe you’ve even given it a try. Charcoal toothpaste has risen in popularity over the past couple of years, going viral on social media and even popping up in local stores.
With promises of a whiter smile, is it really ideal to use every day as a replacement to your regular toothpaste?
We breakdown the charcoal toothpaste trend below with everything you should know.
What is charcoal toothpaste?
Black in appearance, this type of toothpaste is much different than traditional toothpaste. Most charcoal pastes contain activated charcoal, which is a form of carbon. Charcoal toothpastes typically do not contain fluoride, an important ingredient in oral health products.
Can charcoal toothpaste whiten teeth?
Because charcoal toothpaste is abrasive, it’s true that it may remove surface stains. Abrasive paste works by scrubbing away at your enamel. Using abrasive toothpaste to whiten too frequently may actually do more harm than good as the enamel becomes worn down. If you’re looking to whiten your teeth, contact our practice to learn more about in-chair whitening or take-home kits that are proven to be effective and gentle, while offering incredible results.
Can charcoal toothpaste freshen breath?
Some brands of charcoal toothpaste are [flavored] with mint. More so, when brushing your teeth with charcoal paste, you are likely removing some plaque buildup or tartar. However, there’s no current evidence to support that charcoal toothpaste freshens breath or removes any more plaque than traditional fluoride toothpaste does. Charcoal paste can also get stuck in the crevices of your teeth, and even disc[o]lor dental restorations.
Will charcoal toothpaste detoxify my gums?
Probably not. While the paste may lift away plaque or tartar like regular toothpaste, it can also become trapped in the crevices of your teeth, having the opposite effect.
If you have more questions about charcoal toothpaste, we’re happy to answer them at your next appointment, as well as recommend oral health products that are proven to be gentle and effective.
