Charcoal toothpaste and powders have become a popular trend, with promises of whiter teeth and natural ingredients. But are they actually safe—or effective?
The American Dental Association (ADA) warns that charcoal-based products can be abrasive, leading to enamel erosion over time. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back—leaving teeth more sensitive and vulnerable to decay (ADA, 2020).
Additionally, a review in the Journal of the American Dental Association found insufficient evidence supporting charcoal’s long-term safety and effectiveness in whitening teeth (Brooks et al., 2017). Most charcoal toothpastes are also not fluoride-based, which means they don’t help protect against cavities.
“What’s trendy isn’t always safe,” says Dr. Matthew Messina, a spokesperson for the ADA. “Patients should be cautious with unproven products.”
For a safe and effective whitening method, talk to your dentist. Professional whitening treatments are backed by science, and even over-the-counter products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance offer safer alternatives than DIY charcoal options.
Before trying trendy treatments, talk to your dentist to protect your smile the right way!
References
-
American Dental Association. (2020). Charcoal toothpaste: What you need to know. https://www.ada.org
-
Brooks, J. K., Bashirelahi, N., & Reynolds, M. A. (2017). Charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices: A literature review. Journal of the American Dental Association, 148(9), 661–670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2017.05.012