Why Charcoal Doesn’t Whiten Teeth

One of the most common complaints people have about their teeth is that they’re too yellow. So it makes sense that dentists and toothpaste businesses alike would want to address this issue with teeth whitening solutions. One of the newest trends to hit the commercial market is charcoal. You might have seen charcoal toothpaste at your local grocery store, or maybe even toothbrushes that are already infused with this dark substance.

If you look at the product descriptions, it seems companies are pretty confident in the whitening power of charcoal. The facts, however, have other things to say. Here’s why charcoal doesn’t whiten teeth!

The Characteristics of Activated Charcoal

The first thing you need to know is that when “charcoal” is used for teeth whitening purposes, it’s technically activated charcoal. This material isn’t too different from what you would use for your grill; it simply goes through an extra heating process to become “activated”. It will look and feel something like this:

• Extremely dark, almost jet-black
• Rough and grainy
• Somewhat porous
• Strong pigmentation that stains certain surfaces, such as porcelain

Typically, these are the kinds of characteristics you don’t want to use for cleaning! While activated charcoal is absorptive, that applies more to toxins than dental yellowing. The medical field will sometimes use activated charcoal to help with poison control and drug overdose.

Activated Charcoal Wears Down Enamel

If activated charcoal does have any whitening effects (which is a big “if”!), it’s likely because the rough, abrasive texture damages your enamel. You see, teeth are comprised of many different layers. Enamel is the topmost layer and is where the most stains get trapped. If you were to, say, peel back that layer, you would find “dentin”. Dentin tends to appear cleaner because it’s less exposed, and thus, your pearly teeth are “whitened”.

Objective Signs of Charcoal Whitening Point to “No”

There has been research on the supposed stain-lifting of activated charcoal. Ultimately, scientists didn’t find enough evidence to indicate that it actually works, despite what advertising might say. Because of this, the ADA (American Dental Association) doesn’t approve of activated charcoal as a whitening agent. The risk to your protective enamel is simply too great.

Effective and Safe Whitening Alternatives

Even over-the-counter whitening products without activated charcoal typically only yield microscopic results. Dentists, on the other hand, have been reliably providing patients with whiter, brighter smiles for years! They can offer professional-grade equipment, such as Zoom! Teeth Whitening take-home kits. Instead of damaging your enamel, Zoom! actually gives it a boost by using fortifying ingredients like amorphous calcium phosphate, potassium nitrite, and fluoride.

If you’re looking for a whitening treatment that is backed by legitimate science and is proven to make your teeth several shades whiter, your dentist is the best source. Save yourself some time and money by skipping out on activated charcoal and calling up your dentist for an appointment instead.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Cowell earned his dental degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He recognizes the importance of staying in-the-know about the latest trends in dentistry and actively pursues continuing education courses. Dr. Cowell is well-qualified to keep you informed about teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments! To contact his office, call 386-734-8585.