Activated charcoal: the miracle ingredient for whiter teeth?

On paper, plant-based or activated charcoal has a lot going for it. Created from burning organic plant matter rich in carbon such as coconuts, this natural ingredient is famous for its absorptive and detoxifying properties. It can be found in capsule form to help digestion, in masks to help clean up the skin, and also in powder or toothpaste formulas with a promise to whiten teeth.

It is an option with two key advantages: its price-point (whether in powder or toothpaste form, it tends to stay under the 10 Euros mark), and the plant-based origin. In short, it seems like a dream come true. But does this black powder keep its promises when it comes to whitening teeth? A professional answered our questions.

Superficial results

Whiter teeth in just a few brushings, thanks to a natural product? It’s so tempting, it almost sounds too good to be true. However, charcoal does indeed clear away stains caused by the foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis. Think coffee, tea, red wine, even tobacco. This is why after a few uses, it’s not unlikely that you will see a difference. But it will be superficial. “Activated charcoal does not whiten teeth. It may reduce stains linked to food and drink, but brushing after every meal means you can avoid these stains in the first place,” says dental surgeon Inès Meisels, better known on social media as "Dr. M".

Charcoal:1 Enamel:0

First harsh truth: activated charcoal will not give you a Hollywood smile. More importantly, you should be careful how — and how often — you use it, as too much could actually damage your teeth. It is an abrasive, which means it will eliminate tartar and stains, but also attack the surface of your teeth, and the enamel that protects them. “It’s almost the equivalent of rubbing sandpaper over your teeth”, says Dr. Meiseils.

And removing tooth enamel is not the best idea since it plays a major role in our oral health. Enamel is the reason we can bite into something cold without wincing with pain or discomfort. When tooth enamel erodes, our teeth become more sensitive and vulnerable. “In the long term we see a thinning of the tooth enamel, which is the outer surface of the teeth”, explains Dr. Meisels, “this then leads to hypersensitivity to hot and cold, as well as to sugar. And since tooth enamel is what makes our teeth naturally white, its erosion also leads to duller, darker teeth”.

Don’t try this at home

Of course, the idea of looking through our cupboards to find the miracle that will make our teeth whiter is tempting. But Inès Meisels prefers to warn patients against homemade solutions, which can potentially do more harm than good. For example, the traditional method of sprinkling bicarbonate of soda onto our toothbrush should absolutely be avoided. “Bicarbonate of soda, like charcoal, is made of granules. These can be of different sizes, which makes it more or less abrasive. The bicarbonate we use for cooking has a high granular size, so it will have a similar effect on teeth as activated charcoal.”

For a whiter smile without damaging teeth, the proven option is hydrogen peroxide, as used by dental professionals or sold in small-dose kits. This can indeed leave your teeth a few shades whiter. But nothing beats regular brushing with a safe toothpaste.