Is Activated Charcoal Safe for Your Tooth Enamel?

Health trends come and go so quickly, it’s hard to know which are good and which are bad.  Activated charcoal is one of those trends—and it’s even in toothpaste! The black powder is supposed to be a good natural alternative to peroxide for brightening your pearly whites, but is activated charcoal safe for your enamel?  It’s strong enough to absorb stains caused by red wine, coffee, and tea, so is it also strong enough to harm your teeth?

• Yes, Activated Charcoal Will Harm Your Teeth
• Take Care of Your Dental Health and Hygiene
• A Better Way to Whiten Your Teeth
• Side Note on Whether Activated Charcoal is Safe

Yes, Activated Charcoal Will Harm Your Teeth

The answer is yes!  Activated charcoal is very abrasive on its own, roughening your teeth and stripping your enamel.  As your enamel starts to strip, you will make your teeth more sensitive and expose your dentin, making them actually look yellower long-term.  If you must use it, stick to charcoal toothpastes that use an extra fine powder so it will be less harsh. No matter what, you shouldn’t use charcoal more than once a month.

Take Care of Your Dental Health and Hygiene

It’s easy to take care of your teeth and gums. Brush and floss between meals, and reduce sugar intake. If you take care of your oral hygiene, you’ll have fewer problems overall. In fact, you’ll be less attracted to products like activated charcoal.

A Better Way to Whiten Your Teeth

Interestingly enough, charcoal doesn’t even whiten your teeth, technically.  It just takes away surface stains. It’s actually far better to use non-whitening toothpaste and peroxide strips. Yes, peroxide can also be hard on your teeth.  Bleaching your teeth dehydrates them, which can use sensitivity, but studies show that it is safe as long as you aren’t bleaching them every day. All whitening products should be used sparingly!  Here’s the best home kit for whitening your teeth: Crest whitening strips.

Side Note on Whether Activated Charcoal is Safe

Charcoal can permanently stain your tongue black.  So if it gives you yellow teeth and stains your tongue, are there really any upsides?