Charcoal toothpaste linked to tooth decay, cancer: Scientists

Touted as healthy and trendy charcoal toothpastes may actually cause tooth decay and cancer, a new study has found. Charcoal-based teeth cleaners are promoted claiming they can remove stains, whiten teeth, are non-abrasive, anti-bacterial and even have the ability to strengthen teeth. Manufacturers also maintain that their products are “clinically proven”, approved by dentists, and most are advertised as 100 per cent natural, vegan, eco-friendly and cruelty-free.

A review commissioned by the British Dental Bleaching Society, however, described the marketing as over-reliant on gimmicks to substantiate claims. It warned that the products could cause tooth abrasions and the charcoal can deactivate fluoride contained in a minority of toothpastes, which fight tooth decay. It questions the claim that the products whiten teeth and remove plaque, bacteria and stained material.

The review looked at the product information of the 50 charcoal toothpastes and found only eight per cent contained fluoride. Large percentages claimed everything from tooth whitening capabilities to therapeutic benefits, remineralisation, fortification of teeth, low abrasiveness, detoxification, antiseptic properties and more.

None of these claims have been proven and only atenth included some form of dental professional endorsement.

It also found the toothpastes could pose health risks due to the possible inclusion of human carcinogenic polyaromatic hydrocarbons in charcoal — a group of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil and gasoline. The review was published in the British Dental Journal.