ORAL CARE

1 min read

No Laughing Matter: Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe?

September 20, 2018

We asked an actual dentist. Ah, activated charcoal - the new ‘it girl’ in the world of beauty hacks (move over, coconut oil). Known for its ability to absorb impurities, activated charcoal is often used in water filtration systems and to treat drug overdoses and food poisoning. INTENSE. When integrated into toothpaste, the same purifying concept should apply, removing the stubborn stains keeping you from achieving the sparkling smile of your dreams. But is charcoal bad for your teeth?   I began my quest for answers the way I always do when facing tough life questions - ask my dad. 33 years as a dentist make him a uniquely qualified source, so I lured him out of retirement for one last lesson in oral hygiene.   The most important thing, he says, is that you’re brushing (and flossing!) regularly. Deciding which toothpaste is right for you is a personal choice. Just like we all have different skin types, and therefore different skincare needs, our teeth and gums have varying needs as well. Kiddos, whose tooth enamel is still soft and vulnerable, and those with certain dental sensitivities might find charcoal toothpaste too abrasive. But overall, dear old Dad says it’s “safe and effective.” And the FDA agrees.   As for its whitening effect? It’s difficult to actually whiten teeth with any toothpaste, but charcoal toothpaste can help to remove surface stains. Anything deeper, however, is going to require some professional assistance. So, if you’ve got stubborn, set-in coffee stains or naturally yellow teeth, your best bet is to book an in-office whitening session. But if you’re looking for an at-home fix, go ahead and give charcoal toothpaste a try - or, check out some other creative ways to whiten your smile.   Just remember when tooth comes to gums, the most important thing is daily brushing with a gentle toothbrush and routine visits to your dental health professional.

Leave a comment

About text formats

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
More articles
29 articles
Old toothbrushes
ORAL CARE

Brushing Your Teeth Is Ruining Your Gums

You're doing it wrong   Back in the days before modern medical science, our grandparents and great-grandparents struggled with gum recession, but that was mostly due to a lack of proper and consistent dental care, which led to gum disease (also called periodontal disease). Without enough brush
ORAL CARE

Eat Better, Grin Bigger: A Nutritionist’s Tips For Better Oral Health

Can what you eat have an effect on your smile? Nutritionist Jenna Hope explains! As a nutritionist I focus a lot on food and our overall health, medical issues and weight management. One thing which isn’t spoken about as much is the impact that food has on our dental health. We know sugar erodes
girl dancing
ORAL CARE

5 Summer Jams to Help You Brush Your Teeth for the Recommended 2 Minutes

Dance your way to pearly whites. With a sparkling new ISSA mini 2 in my hand, I was on a mission to get my recommended two minute brushing routine on. Besides the fact that the toothbrush has a satisfying smiley face indicator that lights up when you reach two minutes, I’m also positive I’ve nev
ORAL CARE

Your Guide to a Whiter, Brighter Smile

Ready to smile a little wider? According to a survey by Harris Interactive, 89% of adults identified a bright or white smile as a key component in making a good first impression. Of course, this isn’t really news; the value of a bright smile is probably something that you’ve known all along. Th