Charcoal toothpastes are still gaining traction so I thought I should repost about the risks of using them!
I had a patient in this week that had recently switched to a charcoal toothpaste by Colgate. She almost immediately noticed an increase in tooth sensitivity, so much so that she booked an appointment to see us because she thought she must have a cavity or a lost filling. Charcoal toothpastes can be quite abrasive, they do not contain fluoride, and there is no evidence that they whiten your teeth. They could also potentially stain gum tissue and the margins of crowns and fillings (the junction where the crown or filling is bonded to the tooth).
For an article recently published that summarizes a literature review by the British Dental Journal on these toothpastes and their risks, click here:
The most concerning thing to me was this point “Possible health risks exist’ considered to be related to the possible inclusion of human carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons in charcoal and the use of bentonite clay in some charcoal-based dentifrices. Bentonite clay is added due to its suggested ability to aid the binding properties of charcoal, ‘holding’ plaque, bacteria and stained material in the pores of the charcoal (and clay) which is brushed away leaving the surface of the tooth free of any deposits.”
Although the marketing makes these toothpastes seem like a healthy option, using words like “natural”, and “organic”… they are anything but!
If you would like options on whitening – there are much more effective methods without the risks! Please see my FREE ebook on this topic: https://eauclaireparkdental.ca/free-ebook-on-tooth-whitening/
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