Key Takeaway
Activated charcoal toothpastes show limited whitening effectiveness in lab studies and may cause increased enamel abrasion compared to conventional toothpastes.
Summary
This systematic review evaluated the whitening effectiveness and abrasiveness of activated charcoal-based dental products by synthesizing findings from in vitro (laboratory) studies. The review aimed to determine whether charcoal toothpastes deliver on their marketed claims of superior teeth whitening.
The findings indicate that activated charcoal toothpastes generally do not demonstrate superior whitening efficacy compared to conventional whitening toothpastes in controlled laboratory settings. Several studies included in the review reported that charcoal-based products showed higher abrasiveness on enamel surfaces, raising concerns about potential long-term damage to tooth structure with regular use.
The authors conclude that the current in vitro evidence does not support the widespread marketing claims of charcoal toothpastes as effective whitening agents. The increased abrasiveness observed in multiple studies suggests these products may pose risks to enamel integrity, particularly with prolonged use. The review highlights the need for more rigorous clinical trials to assess both efficacy and safety in real-world conditions.