Does Charcoal Toothpaste Really Work? Separating Fact From Fiction

If you’ve got some mild tooth stains that you’d like to eliminate from your smile, you may be considering charcoal toothpaste. But is this a good idea? Does charcoal toothpaste really work? Find out from Nova Cosmetic Dentistry! 

Charcoal Toothpaste Can Remove Stains, But May Damage Your Enamel

It’s true that charcoal toothpaste can remove some surface stains from your teeth. But there’s a catch. By doing so, it may also damage your natural enamel.

This is because charcoal is an abrasive substance. Abrasives, when rubbed onto your teeth, can remove some surface stains and eliminate plaque that may cause tooth discoloration. 

That’s a good thing, right?

Not when it comes to charcoal toothpaste. Because it’s not approved by the ADA (American Dental Association), charcoal toothpaste may be made with charcoal that’s harder than your tooth enamel.

This means that when you use charcoal toothpaste, the hard abrasive charcoal may actually rub away some of your natural tooth enamel, too. Over time, this will weaken your teeth. Counter-intuitively, it may even make them look more yellow, since a thinner layer of tooth enamel will expose more of the dentin below the enamel, which has a yellowish color. 

You Should Use ADA-Approved Whitening Toothpaste For Mild Tooth Stains

So, what should you use if charcoal toothpaste isn’t an option? There are two primary options for ADA-approved whitening toothpaste.

• Abrasive whitening toothpaste – Just like charcoal toothpaste, this type of toothpaste uses a mild abrasive that can eliminate some surface stains. However, ADA-approved abrasive toothpaste contains abrasive ingredients like baking soda, which are not harder than your teeth, and will not cause any damage to your enamel.
• Chemical whitening toothpaste – This type of toothpaste contains a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the same active ingredients used in professional teeth whitening treatments. With regular use, chemical whitening toothpaste can remove most mild surface stains. However, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for use, as most types of chemical whitening toothpaste are not intended for everyday use. 
  

If you want to whiten your teeth at home, either of these types of ADA-approved toothpaste are a good option for mild teeth whitening. 

Professional Whitening Will Be Required For Serious Stains & Yellowing 

ADA-approved whitening toothpaste is safe to use as directed, but you may find that whitening toothpaste alone won’t be enough to treat serious tooth stains and yellowing. If you have major tooth stains, you will likely require treatment from a dentist like Dr. Lana Waibel.

At our office, we offer both in-office and at-home treatments with Zoom! Whitening products. With professional teeth whitening in Ambler from Nova Cosmetic Dentistry, you can completely transform your smile, even if you have severe tooth stains.

Schedule A Cosmetic Consultation At Nova Cosmetic Dentistry Today! 

Dr. Lana Waibel is always here to help you meet your smile goals. If stained or yellowed teeth have been holding you back, don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (267) 405-2727 to schedule a cosmetic consultation today, and start exploring your options for cosmetic smile restoration in Ambler.