Are dental whitening products containing activated charcoal effective?

Abstract

Objective: Hence, the aim of this research was to elucidate through an integrative review whether the products containing activated charcoal are effective and if they have adverse effects. Methods: A search was performed in the PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Scielo databases, using the Boolean operator “AND” with the MesH terms: Activated Charcoal, Toothpastes and Mouthwashes, known in portuguese às Carvão Ativado, Pastas Dentárias e Enxaguatórios Bucais, including articles published in English and Portuguese until June 2021. Result: Initially, 5.575 articles were identified, and after applying the eligibility criteria and excluding comments, expanded abstracts, encyclopedias, book chapters, conferences, correspondence, speeches, press releases, repeated studies and studies not available in full paper, 8 articles were eligible for this study. Final consideration: The few clinical data found it is assumed that activated charcoal-based toothpastes have small or no whitening effect. However, several studies prove the counter-prudent effects of using activated charcoal in the oral cavity, such as the increased risk of damage to the enamel due to the abrasiveness of the charcoal particles, the risk of tooth sensibility and the risk of periodontal deformities.