Should you switch to charcoal toothpaste?

woman holding a black tooth paste with active charcoal Deciding on a toothpaste seems like it should be one of the more simple choices in life, but for some people it’s not that easy. Maybe that minty flavor irritates your tongue, maybe you would prefer to use a toothpaste with natural ingredients, or maybe you are having trouble finding a toothpaste that effectively whitens your teeth. However, if you have been considering charcoal toothpaste for one of these reasons, there are some things you should know!

What exactly is charcoal toothpaste made of?

You’ll be glad to know that charcoal toothpaste is not made the same way as the charcoal for your barbecue is. It is made of activated charcoal, which is a fine powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural materials.

Many people swear by their charcoal toothpaste and its ability to remove stains, whiten teeth, and even to treat bad breath. However, there is no real evidence that it really does these things. And, it may actually hurt teeth. Charcoal is abrasive, and it can wear down tooth enamel and make teeth sensitive. It can also lead to exposed dentin, which is yellow, thus making teeth look less white and more dingy.

Another disadvantage of using charcoal toothpaste is that most brands do not have fluoride in them, which is an important part of protecting against tooth decay. Researchers also aren’t sure what the long-term effects of using charcoal toothpaste might be, and it is also unclear how charcoal toothpaste might affect restorations such as veneers and bridges.

If you want to try charcoal toothpaste because you would like whiter teeth, you should know that there are other, safer alternatives. Natural methods for whitening teeth include using apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda. You should ask your dentist what he or she recommends, and keep in mind that professional tooth whitening is safe and very effective.

If you are considering making a change to your oral health care routine, you should discuss these changes with your dentist first. You can always count on the Konig Center for Cosmetic and Comprehensive Dentistry in Houston, Texas, for expert advice. Call (713) 668-2289 today!

Request an Appointment

  • This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

* All indicated fields must be completed.
Please include non-medical questions and correspondence only.

Office Hours

MON-THU: 7am - 3pm
FRI: 8am - 12pm
SAT & SUN: Closed

Accessibility Toolbar

Scroll to Top