Okay, so grilling charcoal and activated charcoal aren’t exactly the same thing, but now that we’ve caught your attention, let’s talk about this new whitening trend sweeping across the internet…. activated charcoal. Yes, we’re referring to the same activated charcoal that’s used by emergency rooms to absorb accidental ingestion of poisons.
No doubt you’ve seen it across all media channels – people brushing with a black, gritty paste, singing praises to its toxin-absorbing properties and how well it whitens teeth. The rationale is, if it absorbs from within the body then it must do the same in the mouth, right? Well, sort of….
Stains 101
There are two types of stains - intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic stains occur on the outer layer of your enamel, with the most common culprits being foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, colas, dark berries (such as blueberries), and nicotine (whether it is smoked, chewed or vaped). Intrinsic stains are discolorations that lie deeper within the structure of your teeth, with the most common causes being medications (such as tetracycline), weakened enamel (which allows items that cause extrinsic stains to penetrate deeper), decay, and hereditary conditions. Activated charcoal pastes will not remove intrinsic stains…it will, however, remove extrinsic stains – but that is not without potential consequences. It is important to consider that many of these toothpastes are not tested and therefore may have a level of abrasiveness that is not safe for enamel. Although you may see initial results in stain removal, you may be unknowingly wearing away your enamel, allowing particles that can cause extrinsic stain to penetrate deeper (thus becoming intrinsic). Enamel is your tooth’s only protective coating, and when you lose it, teeth become sensitive because you’re close to the dentin - the softer, second layer of tooth structure. Since enamel does not grow back (read on below), the only option is to do a restoration, such as a filling, crown, or veneer.
If you're looking for a natural toothpaste, look for the ADA seal of approval so you know the product you're using is safe for your teeth.