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Charcoal toothpastes ineffective at whitening

June 28, 2019

A recent study published in the British Dental Journal1 found that charcoal toothpastes and powders do not whiten teeth, and may even be harmful! This review is timely as charcoal products are becoming increasingly popular, with more shops selling charcoal-based toothpastes and powders after celebrities and social media influencers have claimed fantastic results.

The study lead by Dr Linda Greenwall1 examined the results of 15 reviews and studies to assess manufacturers’ claims, and to provide current evidence on the effectiveness of charcoal whitening products.


They found that charcoal products were a ‘marketing gimmick’ with no effect on whitening and often causing harm. Charcoal toothpastes and powders were more abrasive than regular toothpastes, potentially posing a risk to enamel and gums; excessive brushing was even found to lead to tooth wear and more sensitive teeth. Few products contained fluoride, or made the ingredient inactive if they did, meaning that teeth were not protected from tooth decay.

 

Dr Linda Greenwall, lead author, said:

 

“Toothpastes need to contain therapeutic ingredients to strengthen and protect teeth and reduce gingivitis. Not all charcoal toothpastes are the same and some could potentially be causing lasting damage to a person’s teeth. Toothpastes should contain fluoride to have additional health benefits for the teeth.”

 

One of the co-authors, Dr Joseph Greenwall-Cohen went onto say: “When used too often in people with fillings, it can get into them and become difficult to get out. Charcoal particles can also get caught up in the gums and irritate them.”

 

1. Greenwall LH, Greenwall-Cohen J, Wilson NHF (2019) Charcoal-containing dentrifices. British Dental Journal, 226: 697–700

No evidence for effectiveness

The British Dental Bleaching Society states “Charcoal toothpastes do not whiten teeth. They may help to remove yellow plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, but they do not whiten them.”

 

Professor Damien Walmsley from the British Dental Association says “Charcoal-based toothpastes offer no silver bullets for anyone seeking a perfect smile, and come with real risks attached.

So don’t believe the hype. Anyone concerned about staining or discoloured teeth that can’t be shifted by a change in diet, or improvements to their oral hygiene, should see their dentist.”

Teeth whitening at Elmsleigh House, Farnham

At Elmsleigh House you can whiten your teeth safely and effectively for £495.

 

Bespoke mouth trays are made to fit your teeth precisely, and you will take home tubes of carbamide peroxide whitening gel, at a strength to suit your teeth. Your dentist will show you how to apply the gel to your mouth trays and specify how long to wear them each day to achieve a brighter whiter smile, usually in 2-3 weeks.

 

Stains can reappear on your teeth over time, especially if you smoke or drink tea, coffee or red wine; you can buy extra tubes of whitening gel at £20 each to top up the treatment for a few days until your brighter teeth are restored.

 

You can book a consultation to discuss teeth whitening with one of our experienced cosmetic dentists. Call 01252 713797 or click here to request a callback online.

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