Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work? What You Need To Know

When your toothpaste runs out and you need a refill, you might feel overwhelmed by the many options at your local supermarket or drugstore. Many types offer different results, but the tubes containing charcoal draw your eye. Does charcoal toothpaste work or is it another passing beauty trend? This guide explains what you should think about and if it might be suitable for your dental goals.

What Does Charcoal Do?

Charcoal brings barbecues and fire pits to mind. You likely imagine buying it to host a cookout or roast s’mores during your next camping trip. Adding it to your collection of bathroom products might seem out of place.

Traditional charcoal isn’t something you should ingest, so brands use activated charcoal in products. It’s a powdered substance containing multiple carbon-rich materials like coconut shells, wood and coal. After burning at 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit and charring, the particles bind to toxins. Your body won’t absorb them like it usually would.

Emergency physicians use a much more potent blend of activated charcoal to save lives if a patient arrives after overdosing on drugs or ingesting specific toxins. The products using charcoal at your local store will have a less powerful and still effective version.

How Is Charcoal a Beauty Tool?

Charcoal even absorbs toxins outside of the body, so it’s a multi-purpose ingredient in many beauty products. Face masks use it to absorb oils and clean out pores. It’s also in some moisturizers because it cleanses your skin before replenishing new skin cells with natural oils or hyaluronic acid.

It can become a crucial part of rebuilding your daily beauty routine if your current products aren’t working as well as you’d like them to. It’s also recently become a phenomenon for people looking to whiten their teeth on a budget or without chemical-based treatments.

What Does Charcoal Toothpaste Do?

The idea of applying dark toothpaste to whiten your teeth may seem backward, but the results have fueled its rise into a global beauty trend. It clings to surface stains and removes them without using chemical ingredients.

The lack of chemicals is the main appeal of charcoal toothpaste. You can stick with your favorite brands and still support your all-natural lifestyle. It’s also easy to use at home and works with any budget, unlike expensive treatments or pre-packaged strips.

What Are the Other Benefits?

Does charcoal toothpaste work? Well, there are two main benefits to using charcoal toothpaste beyond leaving chemical ingredients behind. Stain removal is the primary goal for people who depend on this product. Activated charcoal particles bond to surface stains and lift them while you brush.

Although you may not see immediate results after one use, it may whiten your teeth faster than weeks of strips or gels. Every minute counts when you want to prep your smile for your wedding or freshen up a few days before a job interview.

Activated charcoal also pulls away bacteria and plaque buildup. You’ll stop bad breath in its tracks and prevent it from coming back. Preventative physical care like using hydrating coconut oil as moisturizer will keep recurring beauty problems from coming back or even getting worse.

What Else Should You Consider?

There are a few things you should consider before buying charcoal toothpaste. Although absorbing and removing toxins sounds gentle, it can irritate sensitive gums and teeth. The charcoal might wear on your enamel, causing tooth erosion symptoms such as:

• Sensitivity to cold liquids
• Shiny spots
• Cracks or chips

Using it twice a day for months or years could cause these symptoms and intensify them. If you decide to try this toothpaste, monitor your symptoms closely. Your dentist can address any concerns and indicate if they’re getting worse because of your toothpaste.

It’s also crucial not to swallow charcoal toothpaste. It won’t cause immediate symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, but it will interact with nightly prescription medications. When it lines your stomach, it absorbs toxins, oils and anything that comes into contact with it. Charcoal prevents the body from digesting medication, lessening or eliminating its effects.

Talk with your doctor if you want to know how charcoal toothpaste may affect your nightly prescriptions. They may recommend a different type of toothpaste or advise that you’re careful not to swallow anything while brushing.

How Does Charcoal Affect Dental Restorations?

Veneers, crowns and white fillings may not hold up with long-term charcoal toothpaste use. It can wear on the restorations like your gum line and enamel. It may also leave gray lines or shadows behind after collecting in crevices.

Biannual cleanings will prevent any damage from remaining unnoticed. Consult your dentist by talking about your preferred toothpaste so they know what to look for during each appointment.

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

Now that you know more about how charcoal toothpaste works and potential concerns, consider your lifestyle. Depending on your previous dental work, current medications and any existing sensitivities, it could be a great way to whiten your teeth. Always consult your dentist if you have any questions or concerns before committing to a new health product long-term.