Charcoal Toothpaste

Activated charcoal toothpaste is very fashionable right now.

But can it really whiten your teeth?

Whilst there is no formal scientific evidence that activated charcoal whitens teeth, it is believed to have the ability to absorb plaque and other compounds that stain teeth. In particular charcoal toothpaste is more effective on surface stains such as those caused by red wine and coffee.

For deeper stains the underlying colour of your teeth will not be improved by charcoal toothpaste, a major lightening of tooth colour can only come from professional whitening treatments.

But it’s very important to use an approved activated charcoal toothpaste. The best charcoal toothpaste products should be free of things like sodium lauryl sulfate erythritol but should contain Fluoride.

Don’t be too aggressive when using charcoal toothpaste - gently brush in a circular motion and use infrequently. Charcoal can be quite abrasive, and it’s very important to protect the tooth enamel to maintain a healthy smile.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, speak to your dentist prior to using any activated charcoal products, as everyone’s mouth is different and ultimately while activated charcoal is having its moment in the social media spotlight, it’s yet to be given any real scrutiny by those in the know.

The best way to keep your mouth happy and healthy and smiling is to still schedule regular check-ups with your dentist!