There has been a recent buzz on the internet and social media about charcoal toothpaste.   While the latest dental fad has been praised by celebrities, the benefits have not yet been substantiated in clinical trials.    As with any DIY product there is no way of knowing how safe and effective they are for tooth surface and gingival tissues.

Activated charcoal has been promoted for many different purposes including absorbing extrinsic stains and mild abrasion.    Initially the abrasiveness can help, however long term it might have detrimental effects.   The abrasiveness can result in wearing of the tooth enamel, which cannot be regenerated.     The toothpaste can make its way into the dentin, leaving them with a gray or yellow shade.   Continuous use of charcoal toothpaste may even cause the very discoloration most people are trying to prevent.   There is insufficient clinical and laboratory data to substantiate the safety and efficacy claims for charcoal-based dentifrices; more studies need to be done in order to establish conclusive evidence.

We recommend using fluoridated toothpaste with the ADA seal of approval.   If you are concerned regarding the color of your/your child’s teeth or staining, please feel free to discuss it with us.

Let’s keep charcoal on the grill, until more evidence exists!