The Efficacy & Safety of Activated Charcoal for Tooth Whitening: A Systematic Review

There has been an influx of home-use products on the market to whiten teeth, including products using activated charcoal that are available in the form of pastes, brushing powders, and charcoal-infused toothbrushes. With so many of these activated charcoal products available, it is important to understand both the safety and effectiveness of these products. A systematic review was conducted to assess the current evidence on the safety and effectiveness of activated charcoal in dental applications. This systematic review found that the current evidence does not support the effectiveness of activated charcoal for whitening teeth. Furthermore, the use of activated charcoal may thin the tooth enamel, which can result in increased tooth sensitivity and teeth that appear more yellow.