We’ve discussed charcoal toothpaste on this blog before. Yet, I have to bring it back up. The obsession with charcoal toothpaste comes from its whitening properties. Who doesn’t want whiter teeth? It makes you feel better, and it brightens up your smile. However, there is a downside according to several dentists. It can weaken your enamel and increase your likelihood of cavities. So the question posed in the title (charcoal toothpaste: good or bad?) has a pretty clear answer. It’s bad.

So, why do people continue to use it? It’s a trend, and influencers have pushed it to their vulnerable audiences. Charcoal products and food items look nice on Instagram. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen charcoal ice cream, but it looks incredible. That’s the bigger issue at hand here. They’re packaged to be trendy and eye-catching. They have labels like “non-GMO,” “all natural,” and eco-friendly” that appeals to the masses.

“There is simply no scientific proof that these products are capable of detoxifying your mouth, offer any increased antimicrobial activities (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral), or can fortify/remineralize/strengthen tooth structure,” – Dr. John Brooks, researcher at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry

There isn’t any real evidence supporting charcoal toothpaste. There are plenty of toothpastes on the market that are natural, eco-friendly, and don’t contain any GMO’s. On top of all that, they won’t deteriorate the enamel in your teeth. As always, we want to know your thoughts. Let us know in the comments below.