Today I want to discuss toothpaste. Specifically Charcoal toothpastes. ALL charcoal toothpastes are BAD for you. I’ll just get that out there first.

This is so important to note because 1. toothpaste is in your mouth every single day, multiple times per day, and 2. all companies who sell charcoal toothpastes are lying to you for profit.

I have never felt so infomerical-y writing that, but it’s true, and I am so, so disappointed that it is legal to sell in the United States. Note: The American Dental Association (ADA) has not approved charcoal toothpaste as being safe to use.

I started using charcoal toothpaste out of curiosity about a year ago, and used it for about 6 months. Over the summer, Smile Brilliant asked if I wanted to work with together, and we began our working relationship. When I told my contact there that I was using charcoal toothpaste, she warned me of the dangers and sent me this link.

HOLY SHIT.

After reading this, I did a LOT of online research around charcoal toothpaste. And I mean a lot (just call me Doogie Howser).

Here is what I came up with {source}:

Not only do you risk overdose, several other risks of using charcoal toothpaste have been brought forward.  The biggest concerns include:

Abrasiveness. Used regularly charcoal can damage tooth enamel and gum tissue.

Over-absorption. Charcoal may absorb beneficial items such as needed medications.

Constipation. Intestinal blockages and constipation can be a result of long term use of charcoal, in addition to black stools and a discolored tongue.

After effects. Even those who love charcoal toothpaste report needing to use regular toothpaste after a charcoal treatment to rinse it away and give fresh breath, otherwise a black residue may remain

No fluoride. Charcoal toothpaste can’t be used in place of regular toothpaste as it doesn’t contain the necessary component of fluoride, which fights dental decay. “Fluoride is nature’s cavity fighter and can cut tooth decay by up to 40 percent.” Source: Daily Burn

Unknown safety. There are few studies on the benefits of charcoal as a dietary supplement, so both short and long-term effects are unknown.

Unknown effectiveness. Charcoal’s whitening effect is largely speculative. There have been no scientifically accepted studies that confirm charcoal’s whitening claims.

So, I quit using it as soon as I knew about the dangers. And I am sad to report that I have seen permanent damage from using a charcoal toothpaste: my enamel has been worn off on several of my teeth. This is devastating as I have put so much effort into the health of my teeth, from getting braces as a young teenager, making sure that I brush and floss regularly, and whiten my teeth.

The next step: I am visiting my dentist this month to explore options for restoring my teeth. If anyone has had experience with this, please let me know. I will also be pursuing a class action lawsuit against the toothpaste brand that I used.

I hope that my blog post prevents someone from ever using charcoal toothpaste.

xo, Lynn