Are Charcoal Products Bad for Your Teeth?

A History of Pearly Whites

Scientists have traced the demand for clean, white teeth as far back as Roman civilizations, during 700 BC. There is evidence that Ancient Egyptians and Medieval Europeans, amongst others of our ancestors, searched for ways to make their teeth look cleaner. In historical times, apparently clean teeth signified proper hygiene of the upper class.

The First Impression

Evidently, this psychology is deeply rooted in our history. Jumping to the 21st Century, scientists suggest that white teeth are also representative of strong genetic markers that make you more attractive to potential mates. Seemingly, white teeth are a paradigm for affluence and good health.

Whether you are trying to find love or apply for a job, 94% of people polled admitted that the first thing they notice about a stranger is their smile. These alarming statistics lead us all to put our smiles first, and consider even the most invasive options to whiten our teeth.

Charcoal Controversy

In recent years, illustrious celebrities, such as Khloé Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, have endorsed teeth whitening products. These products are easily accessible and available in stores and through online marketplaces, like Amazon. Many of these products feature charcoal as their main ingredient. There has been much controversy over the effectiveness of this harsh ingredient on stain removal, oral health, and actual whitening results.

Charcoal toothpaste contains “activated charcoal”, essentially charcoal that has been professionally processed and treated, making the surface porous. Activated charcoal is a base instead of an acid, and is negatively charged. Unfortunately, over time this product is known to disintegrate your tooth enamel, which cannot regenerate naturally, despite being the hardest tissue in the body. So how did this unorthodox procedure become all the rage?

Ask a DMD

According to the American Dental Association, “there is no evidence that charcoal toothpaste is effective for whitening.” In fact, this abrasive ingredient may cause detriment to your gum and enamel health. Thus, if you really want to protect your smile, charcoal may not be the way to go.

If you’ve ever wanted to ask a dentist whether these products are bad for your teeth, come on in and meet with one of our team members to find the whitening solution that is right for you! The experts at Silvaroli Dental in Reno, Nevada look forward to discussing alternative teeth whitening products and services in our office, based just off Moana Lane!

Local Teeth Whitening Resources

At Silvaroli Dental, we pride ourselves on delivering state of the art dental care with a family centered, personalized touch. Dentistry, like all healthcare, is not a one-size-fits-all model, rather it is a co-discovery involving both patient and practitioner, so that well-informed decisions can be made regarding your dental health. Our team of esteemed practitioners will help you determine the best teeth whitening option for your teeth. Whether they are stained, dull, or discolored, we can help make them look brighter and healthier.

Scrap the TikTok teeth whitening trends, and reference a medical professional to achieve healthy, long-term results. We want to help make your smile sparkle with advanced dentistry solutions! Make the choice that will benefit your cosmetics, as well as your oral health.