The Science Behind Activated Charcoal: Does it Really Whiten Your Teeth?

From bar soap to anti-acne skincare AND beverage additivescharcoal has infiltrated every inch of the wonder and wellness industry. So it’s no surprise that a sink-staining ingredient can also be added to toothpastes to freshen and whiten our teeth, right? “[Charcoal] is marketed as a product that “naturally” removes stains from tooth surfaces and makes teeth appear whiter” – aesthetic dental surgeon at Eden dental aesthetics, says Dr. Brandon Mack in an interview with ESSENCE. “But it’s up for debate whether it actually works.”

To discover if activated charcoal toothpaste is de facto value purchasing, read Dr. Mack’s observations below.

Where did the trend come from?

The viral detox ingredient is touted as a cure-all and used medicinally as a pain reliever emergency treatment in case of poisoning and overdose because of pores retaining chemicals (also utilized in filtration systems). For example, in 2018, Drake wrote: “I brush with activated carbon before any night on the club,” he applauded an Instagram comment through which he said his teeth didn’t look clean, in response to . “Social media helped with the launch [charcoal] trend, but it wasn’t something that a selected dentist or hygienist introduced,” Mack says. Brands like Kendall Jenner’s moon AND Bite’s alternative charcoal tablets associate this natural treatment with terms like “fluoride-free,” “ethically sourced,” and “freed from harsh chemicals” alongside ingredients like calcium and mint.

What does it do?

In the case of oral hygiene, the crisis detoxifier-turned-teeth whitener purports to eat and absorb stain-causing particles due to its gentle, abrasive texture and porous composition. Activated carbon is created by heating coal-rich wood, coconut shells, peat and petroleum at high temperatures without oxygen to “activate” the ingredient.

Does it really work?

“It can be used in some ‘holistic practices’ or by ‘holistic practitioners,’” he says. “But it is not a professional dental product that can be purchased and used in a dentist’s office.” Unlike baking soda, that’s it has been proven to cut back dental plaque and whiten teeth, Dr. Mack debunks the parable that activated charcoal is an efficient competitor. “I feel [charcoal] has gained popularity because while you apply it to your teeth, your teeth initially look dark gray or black,” he says. “After you wipe it off, your teeth look really white.”

Should I take advantage of it to whiten my teeth?

Taking under consideration that the marketplace for teeth whitening products is predicted to grow by almost 40% by 2030, Astute Analytica report for 2022, other dentist-approved options could also be higher in the long term. “Activated charcoal is not that effective, and the patient runs the risk of damaging tooth enamel due to the abrasive substances contained in activated charcoal,” he says. “Enamel gives our teeth their white appearance.” Instead, Dr. Mack recommends booking skilled whitening with a hygienist. But if you happen to prefer DIY, over-the-counter whitening strips can provide the effectiveness you have been on the lookout for in black toothpaste.