Have you been considering using a more natural solution to clean and whiten your teeth effectively? If so, you’re not alone! The idea of using organic toothpaste to support oral health is increasingly appealing in a world full of processed foods and chemical-filled products. Following this trend, charcoal toothpaste has seen a surge in popularity. This toothpaste is naturally sourced and even promoted by big oral care brands as a “more effective” whitening option. It uses activated charcoal, derived from burning natural materials like wood or coconut shells, making it free of added chemicals! But is it as effective as they say?
Before making the switch to charcoal toothpaste, it’s important to consult an experienced dental professional like those at St. Apollonia Dental. As dental hygiene experts, we can help you make informed decisions about the best products and techniques to improve your oral hygiene.
Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?
One of the most important questions to ask yourself before buying any oral hygiene product is, “How effective is it really?” Charcoal toothpaste, for example, does appear to whiten teeth—but only initially. Big brands like Crest and Colgate offer charcoal toothpaste as an effective whitening option. They claim it removes more surface stains than regular, non-whitening toothpaste. What isn’t mentioned, however, is how charcoal toothpaste functions.
Instead of using fluoride to strengthen enamel and mild abrasives to remove food debris and plaque—like the toothpaste we recommend—this trending toothpaste relies on activated charcoal. Its abrasive nature scrapes away some of your enamel, removing the top layer to reveal the fresh, white enamel beneath.
While removing the stained enamel may appear effective at first, continued use negatively affects your oral health.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe for Your Teeth?
Patients all over the country are asking their dentists if charcoal toothpaste is safe to use. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research to provide clear answers. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), there is insufficient evidence to fully assess the effectiveness and safety of activated charcoal in toothpaste, which is why it has not received ADA approval. However, because of its abrasive properties, most dentists warn their patients against using it.
The ADA has developed a standardized scale of abrasiveness, the Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA), for toothpaste. This scale categorizes a toothpaste’s level of abrasiveness to help determine its safety. To potentially receive the ADA seal of approval, toothpaste must have an RDA of less than 250. Charcoal toothpaste is highly abrasive, as it relies on removing and absorbing stained enamel.
Enamel is the hard, outermost layer of your tooth that protects the sensitive inner layers beneath. It’s important to know that once enamel is removed, it cannot grow back. Since charcoal toothpaste scrapes away the enamel, continued use will gradually thin this protective layer. Over time, this can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of damage, and even the exposure of the yellow-tinted dentin beneath. This not only undermines the whitening effect you’re aiming for but also impacts the overall health of your smile.
What Is the Best Way To Clean and Whiten Teeth?
So, if dentists recommend against using charcoal toothpaste for oral hygiene and whitening, what is the best way to care for your teeth?
Today, many people believe that natural means safe and chemical means toxic. However, that’s an incomplete picture. Fluoride, the chemical found in many toothpastes recommended by dentists, is naturally occurring! And, it’s so important for oral health that the ADA only grants its seal of approval to toothpastes that contain fluoride. Not only is fluoride a naturally occurring chemical, but it also has proven health benefits, such as strengthening your teeth and preventing cavities. Unfortunately, most charcoal toothpaste doesn’t contain this valuable mineral.
Despite all the promises natural remedies make, the most effective way to whiten and care for your smile is to take good care of your teeth! Brushing and flossing make a big difference in keeping your teeth healthy and your smile looking its best.
Professional teeth cleaning also enhances the appearance of your smile since we can reach the areas you might miss at home. Regular comprehensive cleanings from trained professionals like us help you maintain a healthy smile that looks as good as it feels! At St. Apollonia Dental, we’re dedicated to providing effective, patient-centered dental care you can rely on!
Beyond regular maintenance, we also offer cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve your ideal smile. For a long-lasting alternative to whitening strips or professional whitening, veneers are an excellent choice. We can use them to enhance your smile’s shape, alignment, and brightness.
While charcoal toothpaste initially appears to whiten teeth, it is not a replacement for traditional oral hygiene methods. Rather than cleaning your teeth to prevent discoloration, charcoal toothpaste removes stained enamel. This abrasion weakens your teeth and can have lasting, negative impacts on your oral hygiene.
Schedule a Free Consultation for a Bright and Healthy Smile!
At St. Apollonia Dental, we believe your oral health always comes first. While charcoal toothpaste is popular for its natural whitening claims, it can have detrimental effects. We encourage you to be cautious when choosing new dental products and to always protect your enamel. If you have any concerns about your smile or want to learn how to best care for your teeth, contact us today to arrange a free consultation! Your smile is in good hands with our knowledgeable and caring team.
