What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Wondering if you can really get a whiter, brighter smile by using activated charcoal toothpaste? You’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of using activated charcoal – and whether or not it’s really safe or effective!

What Is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal simply refers to any type of charcoal (burned wood or vegetation) that is specially processed to have a large surface area, increasing its adsorptive ability, and volatility in chemical reactions.

The Benefits Of Using Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

Wondering if activated charcoal actually has some positive benefits? It does – and here they are!

• Remove some surface stains from teeth – Charcoal is abrasive. This means it can be effective at removing some stains from the outer layer of your teeth.
• It’s cheap – You can either buy an activated charcoal toothpaste, or add charcoal directly to your standard toothpaste. Either way, it’s cheap, compared to a tooth whitening treatment.
• It buffs and polishes your teeth – Because charcoal is abrasive, roughness on the outside of your teeth can be removed with regular brushing.

The Disadvantages Of Using Activated Charcoal Toothpaste

The above benefits might make it seem like using activated charcoal toothpaste is a good idea. But it’s not! Here’s why.

• It doesn’t whiten your teeth – Despite what marketing may have you believe, activated charcoal cannot actually whiten your teeth. It only removes outer surface stains, and has no ability to remove yellowing, and other significant stains.
• It doesn’t contain fluoride – Fluoride is essential for strengthening your teeth and combatting cavities. Most “natural” activated charcoal toothpaste does not have fluoride, making it a poor choice.
• It can permanently damage your tooth enamel – As we mentioned, charcoal is very abrasive. This means that it can slowly eat away at your tooth enamel. And, once your enamel has been removed, there’s no way to restore it.This can lead to tooth decay, sensitivity, gum disease, and a myriad of other expensive and painful conditions.

Don’t Fall For The Hype – Avoid Activated Charcoal Toothpaste!

The best toothpaste is the one your dentist recommends. And there’s a reason that no dentists recommend charcoal toothpaste. It’s simply not as effective as standard toothpaste – and its abrasive nature means you risk permanently damaging your teeth. Dental cleaning will get off the surface stains safely, and if you are still not satisfied with your tooth color, ask your dentist about safe teeth whitening products.

So don’t use activated charcoal. Follow your dentist’s recommendations, and choose a fluoride-based whitening toothpaste, and your teeth will remain shiny, bright, and healthy for years to come.