
Oct
The ADA does not officially support the use of activated charcoal products in dentistry. A fad these days is the use of charcoal for whitening. Some people are even brushing their teeth with charcoal. Many brands claim that activated charcoal results in whiter teeth. Does it actually work? Is the water-charcoal slurry mixture worth it?
The Oral Health Foundation in the UK says there is no research or evidence to support the claims by activated charcoal products. In addition, many of the charcoal toothpastes contain less than the 1,250 to 1,500 parts per million of fluoride needed to actively protect teeth from tooth decay. Some of the products can be overly abrasive and can wear away the enamel on teeth. The roughened enamel can make it easier for bacteria to stick to the surface of teeth.
The bottom line is that there isn’t any proof that charcoal is safe and effective for your teeth. Until we learn more, stick to the products your dentist recommends.
Source: https://www.menshealth.com/health/activated-charcoal-toothpaste
Gary R. Pearl, DMD, MAGD, graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BS in Pharmacy and the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He spent his general practice residency at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport, CT, and is a graduate of the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL. In 2005, he achieved the highest Academy of General Dentistry honor- Mastership (MAGD). Dr. Pearl is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), and the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Pearl is an expert in many facets of dentistry is constantly advancing what dentistry can offer.
Scott A Pearl, DMD, FAGD, attended college at the University of Connecticut followed be earning a masters degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from Quinnipiac University. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and completed his residency training at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. In 2021, Dr. Pearl became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a milestone reached by only six percent of dentists in the US. He is President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2024 to 2025 (Board Member since 2021), and a member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, American Dental Association and CT State Dental Association. His clinical interests include CEREC digital dentistry and implants.. He believes that quality dental care can profoundly affect patients’ physical and mental well-being.
View LinkedIn ProfileAdam R Abel, DMD, MD, specializes in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He received his BS from Tufts University and his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. He then underwent specialty training in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Medical Center. He earned an MD degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed extensive training in anesthesiology and general surgery. Dr. Abel also works in NYC and has a teaching position at Weill Cornell, where he also performs advanced jaw surgeries, including orthognathic surgery. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.