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Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe to Use? (5 Consequences )

¿Es segura la pasta dental con carbón activo? (5 Consecuencias)
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Written by

Q.F. Nayibe Cubillos Morales

Gustavo

Medically Reviewed by

Dr. Gustavo Assatourians D.D.S

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Is charcoal toothpaste safe? The color of teeth and the impact of staining have become significant factors in shaping one’s self-image. The brightness of one’s smile, characterized by white teeth, plays a role in influencing the impression conveyed during social interactions.

This trend has facilitated the promotion of the use of toothpaste with activated carbon to fight h teeth staining, with the use of a natural product.

What are the benefits of oral health? What risks can be had? Are there other alternatives to improve the white color of normal teeth? Some answers are shared below.

What is Activated Carbon in Charcoal Toothpaste?

Is charcoal toothpaste safe

The activated carbon used in the manufacture of toothpaste comes from burned coconut shells, olive pits, wood, or bone charcoal, among other natural sources.

Carbon is treated at high temperatures to modify its internal structure and make it more porous, facilitating its abrasive characteristic. This can also be achieved by a chemical process, an option that is faster than heat treatment.


How does Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

Activated charcoal toothpaste is characterized by a fine and porous texture that helps to remove superficial stains caused by the consumption of tea, coffee, or tobacco. In addition, activated carbon also contributes to the elimination of toxins and bacteria present in the mouth, promoting a better oral health condition. Activated charcoal toothpaste is a tooth whitening alternative that should be used sparingly, as excessive use can wear away tooth enamel, leaving the dentin exposed, a situation that leads to other oral health conditions such as tooth sensitivity and gum issues.

It is important to note that this type of toothpaste does not whiten teeth. It serves to eliminate superficial stains but does not act on internal stains.


What do the Studies Show About Activated Charcoal and Oral Health?

activated carbon toothpaste

Studies that have been carried out on the effects of activated carbon on oral health, especially about dental whitening; indicate that this element acts as an absorbent agent to eliminate the particles that cause stains.

They warn that it has been observed that toothpaste with activated carbon does not have the amount of fluoride recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) to protect teeth against cavities, a deficiency that does not make it suitable for oral health and in the long run, it represents a risk.

In addition, there is no verified, reliable information on the effects that activated carbon can have on the materials used in some dental restorations, such as crowns and white fillings.

In general, studies show that activated charcoal absorbs the plaque accumulated on the tooth surface, as well as other substances that influence the staining of teeth, which helps remove surface stains from the teeth. tt should be used in moderation so as not to affect dental enamel, due to the abrasive characteristics of carbon.

Another aspect that must be considered is the natural variation in the effects of using toothpaste as a remedy for pimples, especially when toothpaste containing activated charcoal is involved. Just as the impacts of activated charcoal toothpaste can differ from person to person, the overall outcome of using toothpaste on pimples can also be influenced by individual skin types and sensitivities.

It’s noteworthy that while some individuals might experience a reduction in pimple size and redness, others may encounter skin irritation or heightened sensitivity. Therefore, before applying toothpaste or any other unconventional remedy to pimples, it’s wise to be aware of the potential variations in outcomes and to proceed with caution, keeping in mind the importance of personalized skincare and consulting with a skincare professional if needed. To learn more about the effects of toothpaste on pimples overnight you can explore our comprehensive guide that delves deeply into this subject.


Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

Using this type of toothpaste, with the necessary precautions, offers some positive effects on oral health:

Helps remove surface stains on teeth

Reduces bad breath (halitosis)

When used occasionally, after a professional cleaning, it helps prevent stains.

What are the Risks of Toothpaste With Activated Carbon?

practicing oral health

Excessive use of charcoal toothpaste, without taking into account the manufacturer’s or dentist’s recommendations, has consequences for oral health:

It affects the dentin and causes the loss of dental structure, which cannot be recovered.

Increases the risk of tooth decay and tooth sensitivity

Carbon particles can accumulate in the gums, causing inflammation and trauma to those tissues.

Pregnant women, those using contraceptives or taking oral medications should avoid the use of activated charcoal.

It can generate stains on old teeth and dental restorations (veneers, bridges, crowns, fillings)


What Should be Taken Into Account When Using Activated Carbon Toothpaste?

These are some recommendations for making proper use of toothpaste with activated charcoal.

• Consult a dentist: Before starting to use toothpaste with activated carbon, it is suggested to consult with a dentist to evaluate the state of your teeth and receive personalized guidance on the use of this product.

• Soft brushed: It is important to have a smooth brushing technique. Activated carbon is a fine, abrasive powder that should not be applied with excessive pressure. It is advisable to brush with circular movements to avoid wearing down the enamel.

Complete oral hygiene: After applying the toothpaste with activated carbon, it is necessary to brush regularly to remove carbon particles that may have remained between the teeth, and use dental floss and mouthwash.

• Follow the instructions: It is important to read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to obtain the best results and avoid any unwanted effects.

• Moderate use: It is recommended to use it two to three times a week, so as not to affect dental enamel with its subsequent effects.


Are there Other Options for Teeth Whitening?

whiten teeth

There are several alternatives to whiten teeth, other than activated carbon:

• Whitening rinses and strips: Rinses that help in teeth whitening have hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Strips are flexible sheets to be attached to the teeth.

• Home whitening kits: These kits, which guide how to whiten teeth naturally, include whitening gels and moldable trays that adapt to the teeth. The instructions of the product should be followed, and the recommended time should not be exceeded to avoid sensitivity.

• Whitening toothpaste: These toothpaste contain ingredients that help remove stains and brighten tooth enamel. It is recommended to use ADA-approved products and follow the instructions for use.

• Treatments in the dental office: Dentists offer professional whitening treatments that can be more effective and faster than at-home options. Procedures may include the use of light lamps, LED, or the application of highly concentrated whitening gels.


Ask your Dentist Before Using Charcoal Toothpaste

If you want to apply a home technique for teeth whitening or use toothpaste with activated charcoal to achieve a better appearance of your teeth, it is important to first consult your dentist to evaluate your oral health and receive personalized guidance.

Recommended Ways to Whiten Teeth involve upholding proper oral hygiene, incorporating an endorsed whitening toothpaste, and moderating the intake of foods and beverages that have the potential to stain teeth.If you’re unsure about the safety of whitening your teeth, you can check out our detailed guide that thoroughly discusses this topic.Moreover, adhering to routine dental prophylaxis with your dentist, as advised by the ADA, is essential for achieving optimal teeth whitening results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use charcoal toothpaste for your teeth?

The American Dental Association has not offered any evidence supporting the effectiveness or safety of charcoal toothpaste. In reality, it could potentially damage both your gums and teeth. Activated charcoal is an abrasive substance with the potential to erode the outer layer of the tooth, known as enamel.

While it offers advantages as mentioned earlier, activated charcoal is NOT endorsed by either the American Dental Association (ADA) nor The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for dental application. Research indicates that activated charcoal’s abrasiveness is unsuitable for the tooth’s outer layer, the enamel.

Advantages and disadvantages of using charcoal toothpaste:
It has the potential to reduce external stains: Activated charcoal possesses gentle abrasiveness, which could aid in eliminating surface stains while brushing. Furthermore, its absorbent nature might allow it to soak up specific stains, subsequently washed away upon rinsing the toothpaste from the mouth.

Using activated charcoal regularly can actually harm your teeth by wearing down their enamel. This abrasiveness is the reason charcoal toothbrushes do not meet the criteria for the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Once the enamel is worn away, it cannot be restored, potentially causing tooth sensitivity and discoloration over time.

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References

1. Gutiérrez Lorena (July 6, 2023) Activated carbon for teeth: what products are there and how to use them / https://www.dentaly.org/es/blanqueamiento-dental/carbon-activado/

2. Huizen Jennifer (December 8, 2020) What are the benefits of activated charcoal? / https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/es/carbon-activado

3. Martínez Nicolás, Sanhueza Daniela, Vallejos Viviana, Pezo Daniel (October 10, 2020) A current view on activated carbon in toothpastes; Bibliographic review / https://revistas.uv.cl/index.php/asid/article/view/2644/2573

4.Roberts Catherine (October 21, 2022) Ingredient Researcher: Activated Charcoal in Toothpaste / https://www.consumerreports.org/es/salud/carbon-activado-en-la-pasta-de-dientes-a2586017556/

5. Santos-Longhuts Adrienne (Abril 17 de 2023) Charcoal Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening: The Pros and Cons / https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/charcoal-toothpaste

6. Valeii Kathi (Febrero 1 de 2022) Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? / https://www.verywellhealth.com/charcoal-toothpaste-5214587