Charcoal toothpaste whitening

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Because the charcoal particles must be brushed against the teeth to remove extrinsic stains, it will offer no benefits for whitening teeth.

Bottom Line

Charcoal toothpaste can be a great addition to your oral hygiene routine. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Not only will the active ingredient strengthen your teeth and prevent tooth decay, hydroxyapatite is scientifically proven to whiten teeth.

How to Find High-Quality Charcoal Toothpaste

To find high-quality charcoal toothpaste, look for these criteria:

  • Made in the USA: In 2007, The NY Times ran an article about the FDA confiscating toxic toothpaste made in a foreign country.

    Used improperly, the abrasive property of charcoal can quickly cause enamel erosion.

  • Vegan: The best charcoal toothpastes are made with 100% vegan ingredients.

The Best Charcoal Toothpaste

I’ve reviewed many charcoal toothpastes to find my favorite brand. Dr. Golen completed her residency training at George Washington University Medical Center in 1995, and is an associate professor at Harvard Medical … See Full Bio

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Children can safely use charcoal toothpaste, although it should always be spit out, not swallowed.

Q

Should I use charcoal mouthwash?

A

Charcoal mouthwash has no known health benefits. However, if you notice your charcoal toothpaste is very gritty, you may want to seek a different brand.

This isn’t the first time the buzzy ingredient has started popping up everywhere; over the years, influencers have raved about face masks, supplements, and more products featuring charcoal front and center. There are times it seems to really deserve the praise, but what about when it comes to charcoal toothpaste?

Meet the experts: Tyler Hales, D.D.S., a cosmetic dentist and founder of Hales Aesthetic in Orange County, CA; Johannes Jacobs, D.D.S., founder of Jacobs & Associates Dental in Oakville, Ontario; Nicole Khalife, D.D.S., owner of Lux Smiles NYC

Advocates say charcoal toothpaste lifts stains and detoxes your mouth, but many dentists aren’t so quick to smile about it.

Although the amount of charcoal on your toothbrush is unlikely to cause issues, activated charcoal can adsorb certain medications and should not be swallowed unless directed by a doctor. I graduated from the Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA in 1987 and am a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM), Academy of General Dentistry (Chicago, IL), American Academy for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH), and Dental Board of California.

Charcoal Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening: The Pros and Cons

You have plenty of safe and effective options if you’re looking to whiten your teeth.

Like charcoal, it’s an abrasive, but one that’s mild and considered safe, according to The Journal of the American Dental Association.

The bottom line

If you’ve already hopped on the charcoal toothpaste train or if you’re determined to give it a try, dentists say that the key is to proceed with caution. Talk with a dentist first to find out if these options are right for you:

Regular brushing, including brushing after meals and drinking beverages known to stain teeth (like coffee, tea, and red wine), can help you maintain a whiter smile.

Although charcoal toothpaste is getting a lot of attention and press, it’s not more effective than other toothpaste or at-home whitening products on the market.

Look for a brand made from coconut charcoal products rather than wood ash.

  • Paste or charcoal powder, not straight charcoal: Use a carefully chosen charcoal toothpaste or powder as opposed to straight charcoal.

    Also known as activated carbon, activated charcoal is created in a high heat process without oxygen.

    Charcoal Toothpaste: Safety, Teeth Whitening, & Best Brands

    Charcoal toothpaste is a popular dental health trend.

    Although charcoal can adsorb poisons when ingested, there’s no evidence that it detoxifies your mouth or body in any meaningful way.

    Is charcoal toothpaste safe to use?

    Most charcoal toothpaste is safe to use on a regular basis.

    Seeing an immediate difference in the before-and-after can hold a lot of sway. Speak with a dentist about the best whitening option for you.

    • By Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women's Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor

    Q.My daughter-in-law is raving about charcoal-infused toothpaste she recently bought, saying it really helps whiten teeth.

    Many options are over-the-counter whitening products endorsed by the American Dental Association (ADA). Many brands claim activated charcoal toothpaste can whiten teeth, freshen breath, and even prevent cavities.

    But… is this dental product worth the hype?

    Charcoal toothpaste benefits include a whiter smile and fresh breath.

    “Activated charcoal has long been used in medicine for its absorption properties,” Johannes Jacobs, D.D.S., founder of Jacobs & Associates Dental in Oakville, Ontario, says.

    charcoal toothpaste whitening

    No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Most charcoal toothpaste should not damage teeth.

    How long does charcoal toothpaste take to whiten teeth?