Fact Check: Can Charcoal Whiten Teeth?

A Pinterest user claims that Charcoal can whiten teeth. The claim made by user is MOSTLY FALSE.

Claim

A Pinterest user claims that activated charcoal naturally whitens teeth. In the post and the adjoining article by pistachioproject.com it is suggested opening an activated charcoal capsule into a small jar or bowl, wetting the toothbrush, and dipping it into the charcoal powder. The user then advises brushing the teeth with the activated charcoal for 3-5 minutes, rinsing the mouth, and brushing with toothpaste to remove any remaining charcoal. This process is suggested to be done daily for 3-5 days to achieve desired results, and for maintenance, it can be repeated every few months, possibly with the change of seasons. The post can be accessed here.

The adjoining article can be accessed here.

Fact Check

This claim is MOSTLY FALSE. Charcoal can help temporarily remove coffee or drink stains but there is no concrete evidence to support that it can whiten teeth for a long time or permanently. 

Historical Use of Charcoal for Teeth Whitening

The use of charcoal for teeth whitening dates back thousands of years and spans several ancient civilizations. In ancient Egypt, powdered charcoal was mixed with substances like hooves and eggshells to form an early toothpaste, which Egyptians believed could remove plaque and keep their teeth clean. Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, charcoal was valued for its ability to whiten teeth and absorb stains and toxins. Physicians like Hippocrates and Pliny the Elder documented its use in oral care, often combining it with other abrasives to create effective dental cleansers. In India, traditional Ayurvedic practices also embraced charcoal, using it to detoxify the mouth and prevent bad breath and cavities.

Despite its historical popularity, the modern resurgence of charcoal in dental care has prompted more scientific scrutiny. While charcoal's porous nature may help absorb stains, dentists warn against its abrasive effects on tooth enamel. Excessive use can lead to enamel erosion, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and cavities. Although it remains a popular ingredient in natural toothpaste products today, the American Dental Association has raised concerns about the long-term safety and effectiveness of charcoal for teeth whitening.

Can Charcoal Whiten Teeth?

Charcoal may offer temporary benefits in removing coffee stains, but there is no scientific evidence to supports the claim that it can whiten teeth.

An article published in the International Journal of Dentistry reported that charcoal-containing toothpaste has the potential to enhance the color of both enamel and resin composites without compromising microhardness. It is important to consider the potential for occasional roughening of composite restorations when using these products.

A study by Aldridge J Fernandes et. al. revealed that charcoal-based whitening dentifrice, non-charcoal-based whitening dentifrice, and distilled water were all effective in removing coffee stains from tooth surfaces. However, the color change caused by the charcoal-based whitening dentifrice was not significantly different from that produced by the non-charcoal-based dentifrice or distilled water.

On the other hand, Dolores Bibiana Montero Tomás et. al. also conducted a study which found that toothpastes containing activated charcoal have a weaker whitening effect compared to other options and are considered less safe due to their high abrasiveness.

Studies on charcoal or charcoal-containing toothpastes suggest that while they may effectively remove coffee stains, they do not provide a significantly better whitening effect compared to other alternatives, such as non-charcoal-based products or even distilled water. Additionally, their whitening impact is not a long-term solution, and they may pose risks due to their abrasive nature, which can potentially harm tooth surfaces and roughen composite restorations. This raises concerns about their safety and overall efficacy as a whitening option.

Medical Dialogues Fact Check team spoke with Dr. Satender Singh, Dentist at Sanjeevan Hospital New Delhi and he said "Charcoal-based toothpastes have gained significant popularity in recent years, particularly due to their ability to remove surface stains like those caused by coffee, tea, or turmeric. While these products may offer a temporary improvement in the appearance of teeth, it is crucial to understand that there is no substantial scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness in actual teeth whitening. They primarily work by scrubbing off surface stains rather than changing the natural color of the teeth. Another important consideration is the abrasive nature of charcoal-based toothpastes. Regular use of these products can lead to erosion of tooth enamel, which does not regenerate. This enamel loss can make teeth more susceptible to sensitivity, decay, and discoloration over time. Additionally, for those with dental restorations like composite fillings or veneers, charcoal toothpaste can roughen the surface, affecting the aesthetics and longevity of these restorations. In light of these risks, I advise patients to exercise caution with charcoal-based toothpaste. If you are seeking a whitening solution, it’s best to consult a dentist for safer, clinically tested alternatives. Professional treatments or whitening products approved by dental professionals are far more effective and less likely to cause harm."

Dr. Nandita Mohan added "Charcoal-based toothpastes have become popular for their stain-removal abilities, especially for tea and coffee stains. However, there is little scientific backing to suggest they can whiten teeth effectively. Moreover, their abrasive nature raises concerns about potential damage to enamel and dental restorations over time. While they may offer temporary cosmetic benefits, they are not a long-term solution for teeth whitening. I encourage patients to consult their dentist before using charcoal toothpastes and to consider safer, clinically proven whitening methods at dental office."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While charcoal-containing toothpastes may offer short-term stain removal, particularly with coffee stains, they are not a reliable solution for teeth whitening. Additionally, concerns about their abrasive nature and potential damage to tooth surfaces and composite restorations highlight the need for caution.

Thus, the claim is Mostly False.