Activated charcoal toothpaste is a resurrection of ancient medicine techniques.
The charcoal toothpaste connects to everything, including stains, tartar, bacteria, and viruses.
As it takes tartar off the teeth, your teeth will get whiter, which is a positive, of course, but it may also bind to medications that the body needs to absorb and even bacteria that you need for digestion.
In addition to it, it just might not work.
A significant risk is that non-activated charcoal is extremely dangerous, and there isn’t proof that some manufacturers are using the correct type of charcoal.
We’ll fill you in if you haven’t already spent hundreds of hours watching an oddly fascinating YouTube video of someone brushing their teeth with pitch-black paste.
They’re using activated charcoal, a reheated, oxidized version of the stuff you buy for summer cookouts, like a natural tooth whitener.
The strangest part? It works.
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal’s natural adhesive properties bind with surface-staining culprits like coffee, tea, wine, and plaque and take them off your teeth for good when you spit it out.
However, its whitening power stops at stains.
If your teeth are naturally darker or yellow, buy a product with a bleaching agent like hydrogen peroxide or try an in-office treatment.
Regarding safety, the delicate, odorless, and tasteless powder is ok to ingest; that’s why it’s sold in health food stores in tablet form.
However, the American Dental Association (ADA) officials warn that you must avoid scrubbing it on your teeth until you know it’s gritty enough to damage enamel.
Manufacturers claim their charcoal-containing toothpaste and toothbrushes can “kill microbes and absorb gases causing the odor.” This claim has yet to be tested, as research is still ongoing.
We do know that charcoal is abrasive. If it’s too harsh on teeth, the product can prompt pearly whites to look more yellow than before. Potent substances can wear away enamel and expose dentin, the softer, yellowish tooth layer.
How to do this safely?
- Break a tablet of activated charcoal and pour the powder into a cup.
- Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the cup (a teaspoon should do the trick) and mix to form a paste.
- Apply the paste gently on all exposed surfaces of your teeth.
- Wait 3 minutes, and rinse.
Charcoal Toothpaste
Activated charcoal is the buzzy health ingredient of the moment, showing up in everything from supplements to pressed juices to beauty products.
And now, it’s also made its way to the oral care aisle, with different brands marketing versions of activated charcoal toothpaste that claim to clean and whiten teeth and eliminate bad breath.
Because it’s so porous, activated charcoal is sometimes used in emergency rooms to treat certain kinds of poisoning and overdose.
By “soaking up” the poison, charcoal prevents it from being absorbed into the stomach. By this logic, some believe activated charcoal can also be used to soak up toxins in the body (or in this case, stains on the teeth).
Activated charcoal has been used on the body for thousands of years, and some people claim that these products provide some benefits.
But is it a good idea to use toothpaste that contains activated charcoal? And will the ingredient whiten and “detox” teeth? As of today, there aren’t any long-term studies on activated charcoal as an ingredient in toothpaste.
The science of charcoal ‘attracting’ particles has been well-studied in hospital toxicology departments and air filtering systems. However, experts recommend waiting for more research to determine its safety, mainly when used in the mouth.
What to Know Before Try Charcoal Toothpaste
Dentists agree that you should do so cautiously and sparingly if you decide to use activated charcoal toothpaste.
Brush with it no more than once every other week and not for an extended time, even if your teeth feel normal.
Remember that charcoal is an abrasive ingredient, and frequent use could wear down the enamel on your teeth.
That’s why certain people should avoid activated charcoal toothpaste altogether.
If you have a lot of gum tissue recession, the teeth’ roots may become sensitive due to the abrasive quality of charcoal toothpaste.
Suppose you’re keen on trying this new treatment. In that case, some dentists recommend using charcoal toothpaste from a reputable brand and noting any unusual symptoms, like raw or bleeding gums and increased insensitivity.
If you experience these symptoms, stop using charcoal toothpaste immediately and visit our San Diego dentist.
What brands should I try?
Again, we are not recommending that you do this as there is no actual proof that charcoal can make your teeth whiter, but if you want to try this new dental fad, there are some popular brands that could work for you:
Twin Lotus Active Charcoal Toothpaste
With over 1,000 reviews on Amazon and a four-star average, Twin Lotus earns bragging rights for best charcoal toothpaste on the oral hygiene block.
It’s a non-abrasive selection that features a triple-action formula to kill bad breath, remove bacteria, and whiten teeth simultaneously.
Advanced herbal extract leaves will create a refreshing sensation in the mouth, though a handful of reviewers found the taste to border between “minty” and “weird,” but not “horrible.”
Guys with fragile bridgework will find the product specializes in soothing teeth after a good rinse.
However, the fact that it harnesses similar oral healthcare virtues as other premium toothpaste and goes beyond the call of duty makes it the champ in its category.
$7.49 at Amazon.com
Colgate Charcoal Deep Clean Toothpaste
Colgate is one of, if not the only major oral hygiene brands that dip its teeth into the black lagoon. Colgate sells charcoal toothpaste that’s very hard to come by in stores.
It introduces a unique formula blended with micro-charcoal particles to seep through the cracks for rigorous brushing that protects the enamel from foreign agents, mainly fighting off cavities, which many reviews claim it does superbly.
Rinsability proves to be just as impressive with all sooty washing away cleanly.
Employing the proper brushing techniques will ensure your mouth stays fresh for hours on end.
$9.90 at Amazon.com
Active Whitening Charcoal Toothpaste
Forget the fact it looks like something you’d stumble upon in a mom-and-pop holistic shop.
Contrary to disbelief, this charcoal toothpaste remains a Bestseller on Amazon with a huge international following to support its mass appeal.
An all-natural composition of active minerals and organic charcoal gets it all done – halitosis determent, bleeding gums treatment, and oral disease prevention – at a ridiculously affordable price.
If it does one thing best, comfort the mouth with fresh mintiness to push self-confidence through the roof during close encounters with others.
$17.99 at Amazon.com
Squeaky Clean Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Tooth
No artificial flavors. No coloring. No GMOs.
This tasteless charcoal gum powder eliminates the awful tang of a charcoal oral freshener and harmful additives such as fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, and surfactants from its composition to save your ivories from bacterial threats.
Brushing activates the charcoal’s properties, lifting stains and removing toxins that cause damage to your enamel and gums.
Most reviewers found the powder to lighten their teeth in a matter of days while also recommending use in the shower to avoid a cesspool of black goo in your sink.
Those with sensitive teeth will find the abrasiveness of the powder incredibly light.
The company even offers a money-back guarantee if the results are unsatisfactory.
$16.95 at Amazon.com
Lucky Teeth Organic Charcoal Toothpaste
Toothpaste in a jar looks criminally suspect. In the case of this offering, the outcome is far from it.
This fluoride, glycerin, and gluten-free elixir comes loaded with antibacterial and detoxifying agents to extract gums and teeth to balance natural bacteria in the mouth.
Various infused oils contribute to the remineralization of enamel while fighting off mouth infections and bad breath.
As all is put in motion, activated charcoal works for tarter and plaque cleanup.
$12.99 at Amazon.com
Oral hygiene is critical, but some have used charcoal for other health purposes.
Their effectiveness is questionable, but you are welcome to try them and share your results with us. :
- Anti-aging remedy: Charcoal contains potent compounds that can help produce a healthier and more radiant complexion.
- Acne treatment: Depending on the severity, charcoal can double as an exfoliator and spot treatment to absorb impurities from beneath the skin for smoother results.
- Hair volume enhancer: Dirt and oil weigh down your mane, so cleansing the scalp with charcoal removes surface pollutants minus any residue to make hair feel lighter and more packed.
- Skin healer: Bug bites, cuts, rashes, or any minor infection. At that, it serves as an ailment to cure and relieve skin.
- Toxin removal: Besides pulling grime from our pores, it can prevent the gastrointestinal absorption of certain drugs and toxicants and even increase their elimination after absorption.
- Face or full-body: several of the industry’s indie and staple skincare brands are embracing the trend by launching new products that fall right into the category.
Is it safe?
Remember, activated charcoal toothpaste is a rebirth of ancient medicine techniques.
In theory, charcoal toothpaste binds to everything, including stains, tartar, bacteria, and viruses.
As it takes tartar off the teeth, your teeth will get whiter, which is a positive, of course, but it may also bind to medications that the body needs to absorb and even bacteria that you need for digestion.
Additionally, it just might not work. A big risk is that non-activated charcoal is extremely dangerous, and there isn’t proof that some manufacturers use the correct type of charcoal.
The toothwhitening market is a billion-dollar industry, so if it were fully safe and effective, the big brands would be using it. In short, if you want whiter teeth, your best bet is to book an appointment with your dentist.
The safest way to whiten teeth is by using a well-tested product coordinated by our dentist. As stated by independent testing agencies, Zoom Teeth Whitening products have been the top whitening products for many years.
If unsure, contact Serena Family & Cosmetic Dentistry to learn more about our teeth whitening treatment with 100% guaranteed effectiveness.
The quickest and painless way to brighten your teeth.
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