Does it whiten your teeth or put them at risk?

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Dentist Alejandro Hoyos, a specialist in cosmetic dentistry, says the popularity of these creams has led to an increase in consultations for sensitivity problems and cavities.

— Patients come to my office with two simultaneous complaints: yellow teeth and severe sensitivity. In many cases, both conditions are a direct result of using activated charcoal creams, he explains.

Scientific evidence supports these concerns. Recent studies have shown that activated charcoal has a limited effect on teeth whitening. Compared to substances used in professional treatments, such as urea or hydrogen peroxide, their results are minimal. Even more concerning is the fact that to date, no toothpaste containing activated charcoal has been approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), an organization that certifies the safety and effectiveness of dental materials.

The problem doesn’t stop at lack of efficiency. The abrasion that activated charcoal produces on tooth enamel is significant and can lead to more serious problems.

— Activated charcoal is very abrasive, especially when combined with conventional brushing techniques. This not only causes sensitivity, but can also worsen pre-existing gum recession and tooth erosion, says Hoyos.

For patients with receding gums, a condition that exposes cementum tissue, the use of these creams can be particularly harmful, increasing discomfort in response to temperature changes and causing pain.

Hoyos also warns of the ease with which these products are found on the market.

— They are sold freely, without taking into account that some people are more prone to serious problems. For those who already suffer from sensitivity, the first thing to do is to stop using activated charcoal cream and replace it with a more suitable product, he says.

Despite warnings from dentists, the activated charcoal trend has grown, driven by marketing. The perception of a quick and effective solution has prevailed over scientific evidence, leading many consumers to place their trust in almost imperceptible results in practice.

— Advertisements show whiter smiles, but the real results of these creams are far from what the advertisement promises — adds the expert.

Compared to professional treatments, the difference is clear. Interventions carried out by dentists with carbamide oxide or hydrogen peroxide guarantee visible and long-lasting results, provided that appropriate protocols are followed. Activated charcoal, on the other hand, offers limited aesthetic benefits and poses a considerable risk to oral health.

There are less risky ways to use it. According to Hoyos, activated charcoal can be applied topically for about 20 minutes without rubbing, which can help whiten your teeth to some extent. However, the specialist emphasizes that, to obtain significant results, it is always best to consult a dental professional.