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Does Charcoal Toothpaste Really Whiten Teeth?

Everyone loves a bright, white smile, just like we see in all those movies, TV shows, and ads. Unfortunately, a harsh reality most people must face is that no amount of brushing and flossing can keep our pearly whites perfect for long. Over time, a lot of the food and beverages we consume simply stain our teeth.


The good news is that people can whiten their teeth without going to a cosmetic dentist for an expensive procedure. There are plenty of alternatives available today, from professional teeth whitening to take-home teeth whitening trays. However, one method to whiten teeth that’s been gaining popularity recently is charcoal toothpaste.


An image of charcoal toothpaste poured onto a toothbrush placed besides a small pile of fine charcoal powder and used for teeth whitening
 One method to whiten teeth that’s been gaining popularity recently is charcoal toothpaste.

From what you see in all the ads, charcoal toothpaste seems like a quick and easy remedy that can restore your smile to its former glory. The question is: Does charcoal toothpaste really whiten teeth? Is it actually better than scheduling a Bethlehem teeth whitening appointment that’s proven to work?


Today, we’ll shed some light on the truth behind charcoal toothpaste’s effectiveness as an alternate to proven teeth whitening options.


What is Charcoal Toothpaste?

The last few years have seen charcoal become a big trend in cosmetics and wellness, being used in everything from face masks to scrubs. Now, people are also using it as a convenient method to supposedly whiten their teeth.


Activated charcoal is the key ingredient in these products. It is a fine powder that oxidizes coconut shells, wood, and other natural substances. The primary property of activated charcoal is its ability to absorb toxins, providing you the opportunity to remove them. All that said, this stuff might not be the miracle for teeth that many are led to believe it is.


Does Charcoal Toothpaste Actually Whiten Your Teeth?

According to a review conducted in 2017, dentists should encourage people to be cautious about using charcoal toothpaste.


Due to the fine powder, the toothpaste is effectively abrasive, making it harmful to the enamel for daily use. Most of these products don’t contain fluoride, which is essential for strengthening enamel. Since older and damaged teeth have pores, crevices, and cracks, the fine powder can accumulate, leading to staining in some teeth.


Lastly, no evidence suggests it’s as effective as advertisements can lead you to believe. Activated charcoal can remove stains on the surface of teeth because it is slightly abrasive and absorbent. However, it does not work well beyond the surface.


The proven benefits of toothpaste with activated charcoal are:

●      Potential to remove stains on the surface

●      Can help with bad breath by absorbing toxins

●      Can reduce staining with occasional use after getting professional cleaning


The proven drawbacks of charcoal toothpaste are:

●      Its abrasiveness can erode enamel and make teeth look yellow with regular use

●      It cannot remove stains below enamel

●      Daily use can also lead to tooth sensitivity

●      It can lead to staining in some damaged teeth and dental restoration work

●      The long-term impact of activated charcoal on health is unknown


Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work Better?

While there are several other alternatives, going to a Lehigh Valley teeth whitening professional for an in-office appointment is an effective choice for guaranteed results. In a session lasting around 60 minutes, you can rely on a skilled expert to use FDA approved plant-based bleaching agents to remove stains from your teeth effectively. Within a single session, your teeth will lighten by up to 14 shades.


At New Wave Accelerated Teeth Whitening in Bethlehem, PA, we use natural gels made right here in the US to perform professional teeth whitening that costs a fraction of what visiting a dentist costs. The results last long, the procedure is safe, and you do not risk causing damage to your teeth. Check out our customer reviews to learn more or contact us to schedule an appointment.


a teeth whitening technician

Jonathan Erik, Owner

New Wave Accelerated Teeth Whitening

Certified Teeth Whitening Technician

Bethlehem, PA

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