Children are always attracted to the latest and greatest, no matter the category. One of the latest trends in the toothpaste market is charcoal toothpaste. You can now find it by most major manufacturers. But is this toothpaste safe for you and your family? Safety is a question best left to your pediatric dentist. But here are a few facts to consider before you replace your children's toothpaste. 

Activated Charcoal Is Not New

Charcoal toothpaste contains activated charcoal powder created from burnt natural plant-based materials. This is not the same charcoal found in your backyard BBQ. 

Although recently appearing in toothpaste, medical professionals have used activated charcoal for many medical and environmental endeavors. The chemical properties of activated charcoal allow the powder to attach to various particles.

The activated charcoal in toothpaste is treated in additional manufacturing steps, making it extra porous. Toothpaste manufacturers claim the charcoal will grab your stains and germs, which will leave you and your family with a brighter smile and fresher breath.

Charcoal Toothpaste May Not Contain Fluoride

While charcoal toothpaste contains activated toothpaste, many do not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a chemical that benefits your teeth. Fluoride helps prevent cavities, rebuilds tooth enamel, and reduces the amount of acid on your teeth.

Many areas have added fluoride to their municipal water supplies. Unfortunately, this supplement is not available to those on well water.

Studies by those engaged in pediatric dentistry have shown children in areas without access to fluoridated water can have five times the cavities of those with access.

Supplemental fluoride in toothpaste becomes crucial, especially in these areas. Due to the lack of fluoride, activated charcoal toothpaste does little to protect your teeth from cavities. 

Charcoal Toothpaste Is Abrasive

Children tend to brush a little longer to remove the "black" toothpaste from their teeth. Unfortunately, activated charcoal is an abrasive element.

This abrasive component works in your favor by removing stains from the enamel of your teeth. Unfortunately, there is a concern that it may be too abrasive. 

The abrasive element can scrape and damage the tooth's enamel permanently. Another concern is that the abrasiveness might cause gum irritation in those with sensitive gums. 

Charcoal Could Interfere With Medications

Doctors have used activated charcoal for years in poison control. It moves the poisonous toxins through your digestive system and out of your body. Due to this ability, there are concerns that the activated charcoal found in toothpaste may interfere with particular medications you and your children are taking.

Before replacing your toothpaste with charcoal toothpaste, discuss this with a pediatric dentistry. They will give you their recommendation.