They, however, insisted that using charcoal products in teeth whitening will only cause more harm than good in the long run.

Lately, there have been videos and publications on how to achieve perfect white dentition with the use of activated charcoal on Instagram Facebook and YouTube.

However, it has been noted that activated charcoal, which is an oxidized substance made from wood, coal, peat, coconut shell or petroleum heated with a gas can have toxins and surface stains clinging to them due to its adhesive qualities.

According to a report by a General, Family and Cosmetic Dentist in the United States, Dr. Chad Bailey, the adhesive qualities explain why some people declare it perfect for removing teeth discolouration.

He said, “Although it may show quick results initially, charcoal is nothing more than a temporary solution.

“It’s crucial to emphasise the results of damaged tooth enamel because it cannot replenish itself, which means any damage is permanent. People with receding gums or sensitive teeth especially, should steer clear of charcoal because it can make brushing too harsh and worsen sensitivity.

“Long-time use can deplete enamel, which over time exposes dentin: the soft, yellowish layer in the tooth. This puts you at a higher risk for cavities, tooth discolouration, and complicated dental problems such as periodontal disease in the future.

“The American Dental Association does not approve of charcoal as a safe means for whitening teeth. If you do choose to use it, do so with caution.”

Shedding more light on medical conditions that can be triggered by charcoal use, the Chief Dentist and Clinical Director of First Mobile Dental Care, Dr. Tunde Banjo said constipation, vomiting, and tongue discolouration are side effects that have been associated with persistent use of the substance.

He warned that teeth whitening should be done with caution, adding that carrying out the act regularly can cause teeth sensitivity and wear down.

Dr. Banjo noted that those who intend to whiten their teeth should consult a qualified dentist for guidance.

He said, “Using charcoal to whiten the teeth can damage them because of the abrasives it contains. Persistence use of charcoal will erode the teeth and cause tooth wear down and lesions called abrasion, which will lead to tooth sensitivity

“Persistent use of charcoal can also affect the gum and other structures in the mouth. It may damage the microflora in the mouth resulting in mouth ulcers.

“Long-term use will result in severe tooth wear lesion, which can cause severe teeth sensitivity and damage to the outer covering of the teeth, called the enamel, thus, exposing the dentin.”

Also, Dr. Peace Nwoha, reiterated that long-term use of charcoal will result in severe tooth wear lesions, adding that this could damage the enamel.

The dentist, who is a member of the Global Health Network, pointed out that though charcoal is used medically due to its ability to absorb toxins, it can lead to dentinal hypersensitivity when the dentin is exposed.

She said this can make a person feel shock sensations on the teeth when taking cold drinks or fruits.

Dr. Nwoha explained that persistent use of charcoal will gradually erode the enamel, which is translucent and slowly reveal the inner yellowish dentin of the teeth.

“The downside of using charcoal, aside from the gradual yellowing of the teeth is that most activated charcoal toothpastes don’t contain fluoride, an active ingredient that protects the teeth against caries. This makes them susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

“It is not advisable to use it daily, once a week is what could be recommended for those who use it.

“The long-term effects on the teeth could be yellowing of the teeth, staining of fillings and nearby restorations, and hypersensitive teeth.”

On the best way to clean the teeth or maintain dental hygiene, Dr. Nwoha advised, “Extrinsic stains appear on the teeth and can be cleaned by proper oral hygiene practices like scaling and polishing, brushing twice daily, use of mouthwash, flossing, among others.

“Intrinsic stains are inside the teeth and can be caused by medical conditions and medications such as tetracycline. Your dentist would examine and draw out a treatment plan for you, which may include veneers or crowns on your teeth.”

Meanwhile, researchers in different studies found no evidence that the use of charcoal can remove stains.

In the course of carrying out a study which was published in the Journal of Applied Oral Sciences in 2019, researchers dipped cow teeth in black tea until stains took complete hold.

They then moved the teeth into groups of whitening products. Solutions were applied and then brushes were used to dig in.

The researchers looked for evidence of what worked and what did not.

During the study, it was discovered that charcoal was unable to remove the tea stains from the cow teeth.

Also, a 2017 review warned that dentists should advise their patients to be cautious when using charcoal-based toothpaste due to unproven claims and safety concerns.

Authors of the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, searched the MEDLINE and Scopus databases for clinical studies on the use of charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices, as well as laboratory investigations on the bioactivity or toxicity of charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices, published through February 2017.

The authors used a defined search strategy to identify randomized, controlled clinical trials with a follow-up duration of three months or longer.

In addition, the authors selected the first 50 consecutive charcoal dentifrices from Google.com and Amazon.com for the ascertainment of product assortment and advertising promotions.

The authors’ literature search identified 118 potentially eligible articles.
Thirteen studies reported brushing their teeth with raw charcoal or soot.

However, none of these studies met the inclusion criteria.

Two studies offered nonspecific caries reductions, three reported deleterious outcomes (increased caries, enamel abrasion, nonquantified negative impact), while one only indicated that brushing with raw charcoal had no adverse effects on oral hygiene.

The results of this literature review showed insufficient clinical and laboratory data to substantiate the safety and efficacy claims of charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices.

Similarly, one unscientific study published by the University of Malaya in Malaysia, actually showed teeth getting yellower, not whiter.

The study found that among 350 inhabitants of two villages, 31 (8.9%) cleaned their teeth using table salt and charcoal applied to their forefinger or a Melastoma brush.

It was discovered that as a result, all had distinct forms of abrasion cavities on the labial surfaces of their teeth.

The study found that using charcoal or salt is highly abrasive and injurious to both the hard and soft oral tissues.

source: healthwise.punchng.com