Charcoal has a long history of use in oral care, dating back to when roughly ground charcoal was used to remove stains and absorb toxins from the mouth. Today, you’ll find charcoal featured in toothpastes, mouthwashes, beauty products, and even in foods like bread and smoothies.
However, before choosing charcoal-based dental products, it’s important to understand the science behind them.
What Research Says About Charcoal Dentifrices
A paper published in the British Dental Journal (BDJ) in May 2019 reviewed the available scientific literature on charcoal toothpastes and powders. The review concluded there is limited scientific evidence to support the claimed benefits of charcoal dentifrices.
Key Findings from the BDJ Review
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Lack of fluoride protection: Most charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride. Even in those that do, the high absorptive capacity of activated charcoal can remove fluoride ions, reducing their protective effects and potentially increasing the risk of tooth decay (caries).
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Unverified abrasiveness claims: Many brands claim their products are “low-abrasive,” but these claims are not independently verified. The particle size of charcoal can influence how abrasive it is to enamel and restorations.
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Potential health risks: Some charcoal products may contain carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons or bentonite clay, which can introduce health concerns. Bentonite clay is often included for its supposed ability to help charcoal bind plaque, bacteria, and stains for removal during brushing.
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Tissue and restoration staining: Charcoal particles can accumulate in the gum pockets of patients with periodontal disease, leading to grey or black tissue discoloration. It may also cause staining along the edges of composite restorations and crowns, affecting aesthetic results.
Whitening vs. Bleaching Teeth
The BDJ report highlighted an important distinction between teeth whitening and bleaching. Charcoal products primarily remove surface stains but do not change the intrinsic tooth color. There is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support claims of true whitening or bleaching effects from charcoal toothpaste.
Marketing and Consumer Appeal
Charcoal dentifrices are often marketed with appealing terms such as natural, eco-friendly, organic, or herbal. According to the BDJ review:
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88% of charcoal dentifrices analyzed used at least one of these terms.
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54% used two or more.
Such marketing has contributed to an increase in brushing frequency among Australian adults—a positive trend considering that only half of Australians brush twice daily, according to the nation’s Oral Health Tracker.
Choosing Evidence-Based Toothpaste
While charcoal toothpaste may seem fashionable, Dr. Daniel Kaufman recommend using fluoride-containing toothpaste for long-term oral health.