Charcoal Toothpaste: Does It Whiten, and Is It Safe for Fillings and Enamel?
Breath & MouthArticleBlack charcoal toothpastes and powders promise whiter teeth and a detoxed mouth. A dental association review found no solid evidence for the claims, lab studies found little whitening, and some products contain no fluoride.
In this article
Black toothpastes and charcoal powders are sold with promises of whiter teeth, fresher breath and a “detoxed” mouth. If coffee and time have dulled your smile, here is what research shows.
Myth: charcoal whitens teeth
In a 2021 lab study, human teeth were stained and then brushed twice daily for 12 weeks with charcoal or regular whitening toothpastes. None produced clinically acceptable whitening, and color change didn’t differ between them.1 Some of the toothpastes made the enamel surface rougher.1
Myth: charcoal has proven health benefits
A 2017 review in the Journal of the American Dental Association2 searched the research on charcoal products. No clinical study met its quality bar. A few older reports linked brushing with raw charcoal to more cavities and enamel wear.2 Online ads made unsupported claims, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and “oral detox” effects.2 The authors concluded the data are insufficient to support safety or effectiveness and advised caution.2
Concern: fillings and dental work
Many women over 50 have tooth-colored fillings. In a 2021 lab study, charcoal toothpastes and powders caused more color change on these resin fillings than a regular toothpaste, and charcoal powders caused more surface wear.3 Our article on whitening and crowns explains why dental work doesn’t whiten with your teeth.
Concern: missing fluoride
In another lab study, several charcoal toothpastes contained no fluoride. Toothpastes with more fluoride were linked to less tooth wear.4 Fluoride matters more as gums recede and root surfaces are exposed.
What to do instead
- Keep a fluoride toothpaste as your daily paste.
- If you want whiter teeth, ask your dentist which option suits your teeth and dental work. Our guide to teeth whitening safety compares them.
- Watch for sensitivity and see our article on sensitive teeth.
- Bring any charcoal product to your next cleaning and ask about wear on your enamel and fillings.
Try: “I’ve been using a charcoal toothpaste to whiten. Do you see any wear on my enamel or fillings, and what would you suggest instead?”
Is It My Breath? includes a visit script. Use it to list the products you use and your questions about whitening and sensitivity.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dental advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. Tooth sensitivity, pain, or a change in a filling or crown should be checked by a dentist. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. This article discusses categories of products and published research. It does not evaluate any particular brand or product. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- Clinical Oral Investigations (abstract via Europe PMC), 2021Effects of charcoal-based whitening toothpastes on human enamel in terms of color, surface roughness, and microhardness: an in vitro study (opens in a new tab)ab
- Journal of the American Dental Association (abstract via Europe PMC), 2017Charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices: A literature review (opens in a new tab)abcd
- Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry (abstract via Europe PMC), 2021Charcoal-based dentifrices: Effect on color stability and surface wear of resin composites (opens in a new tab)↩
- Journal of Dentistry (abstract via Europe PMC), 2021Activated charcoal toothpastes do not increase erosive tooth wear (opens in a new tab)↩
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll check it.
