Charcoal-activated toothpaste is derived from, yes, charcoal particles. However, this kind of charcoal has been treated to draw in the toxins from throughout your mouth (i.e., tartar, bacteria) and stick with them until washed down the sink. It’s the latest and potentially greatest in whitening methods, so if you’re in the market to clean, whiten, and preserve your chompers all at once, then here are a few charcoal toothpaste options we think you should uncap.
Buying Guide for Charcoal Toothpaste
Why should you buy charcoal-activated toothpaste?
The guiding factor that leads most people to try out charcoal toothpaste is the promise of whiter teeth that gleam more than ever before. How so? Because of the typically mildly abrasive formula of charcoal toothpaste that grinds down plaque and lifts extrinsic stains from the surface of your teeth. It whitens your teeth without the need for harsh chemicals.
What should you look for in charcoal toothpaste?
Look to these factors when seeking a new way to spruce up your teeth:
- Ingredients: The most important factor to look into when buying your next batch of toothpaste is the contents of what’s mixed into the paste. Some standard charcoal choices may agree with your teeth, but if you’re particular about what you want, don’t be afraid to check the back of the package. For instance, the use of fluoride in certain charcoal toothpaste is appreciated for its strength, but it’s also avoided by some because of its harshness on the teeth and when swallowed. Additionally, some toothpaste formulas make better use of all-natural ingredients, upholding the vegan-friendly label.
- Capacity: It’s also worthwhile to remember how much toothpaste you’re getting out of a single purchase. The average person is only going to buy one tube of toothpaste at a time, and while it’s dentist-recommended to use only a pea-sized amount of paste for your brush, you could definitely be tossing cash down the drain if the tube doesn’t feature ample capacity. You should look to larger options or those that come in packs to decrease your odds of pulling out your credit card too soon after your first purchase.
- Consistency: Lastly, the toothpaste style, or overall viscosity, of your final selection is important to consider because some charcoal options may be easier to work with. The classic paste style is reliable, but powdered and chewable options come with their own set of conveniences and potential liabilities. So, consider the sensitivity level of your teeth and what form of cleaning will be kinder for them.
Can charcoal-activated toothpaste replace regular toothpaste?
As far as numerous outlets and clinical reports suggest, no, you should not look to charcoal-activated toothpaste to replace your traditional fluoride or fluoride-free toothpaste. Rather, it should be paired with them and used significantly less, preferably no more than a handful of times per month. The reason why charcoal paste, powder, and tablets shouldn’t be used more times in a month than a single hand can count is because of their abrasive formulas. They whiten your teeth by grinding away at the plaque, and once that plaque is removed, you may end up digging into your enamel, which can’t be replaced.
Our Picks for the Most Effective Charcoal Toothpastes
Pros: Here’s a vegan-friendly charcoal toothpaste that cleans, whitens, and freshens your breath for all-day comfort. The activated charcoal in this recipe works hard to remove surface stains and prevent the buildup of plaque, while the combination of fresh mint and coconut oil offers a great taste that leaves your mouth feeling considerably refreshed. This paste is also fluoride-free, so you don’t have to worry if it’s accidentally swallowed.
Cons: Of course, a notable drawback to fluoride-free toothpaste is the lack of certain levels of dental protection that you just can’t get with an alternative. Fluoride-laced paste helps prevent the early decay of teeth brought on by acids, and not getting that feels incomplete to some. Some people have noted that this paste is far more abrasive than they expected, leading to overly sensitive teeth down the road.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a charcoal paste that holds up its vegan-friendly promise while saving you cash to boot, this Hello Oral Care Activated Charcoal Toothpaste is derived from sustainable bamboo, so you can brush to achieve a clean mouth and conscience.
Pros: This activated charcoal powder makes an emphasis on being totally safe for your teeth in a number of ways. It uses a surplus of quality, nontoxic ingredients that are well-regarded in their effort to whiten your teeth to the fullest while causing no harm to your gums or enamel. Its powder texture also prevents you from overusing when brushing, as you apply just a thin layer of powder and tap off the excess for future use.
Cons: If you’ve made a mess with toothpaste before, you should be prepared for the odds of really making a mess with charcoal powder. Its loose consistency is prone to falling off a toothbrush, or worse, all over the bathroom sink. And while you’re intended to use less per brushing than you would with toothpaste, this option’s small capacity (2 ounces) may mean breaking out the credit card all too soon. It also bears a significant uptick in price compared to other choices.
Bottom Line: If you want to get back to the basics with your dental hygiene, this Black Pearl Activated Charcoal Powder offers you a traditional means of brushing that whitens without wearing away at your enamel.
Pros: A one-of-a-kind style of teeth cleaning, these chewable charcoal tablets are great for the person who doesn’t want their supplies to take up too much space. What you get here is a 62-count vial of toothpaste bits that require no squeezing or water to be activated; all a single tab needs is a soft bite, and you’re ready to brush. Unlike other charcoal options, these tablets contain an appropriate dose of fluoride, so you’re assured a cleaning that prevents the formation of cavities.
Cons: While teeth whitening methods with fluoride offer a great means of protection, they are often looked at with concern, given the substance’s nature for causing health issues if used or swallowed in excess. Some have noted that it can feel all too easy to accidentally ingest particles of the bit while in the process of chewing. Additional users have taken issue with this option’s particular taste, describing it as less than minty and more so sweet.
Bottom Line: Ideal for the camping crowd and those who like to pack light when traveling, these GloBoid Charcoal Toothpaste Tablets offer you teeth whitening in a waste-free and completely recyclable design.
Pros: Not only does this charcoal bundle offer you paste and an accompanying toothbrush, but it tosses in a tongue cleaner, so you can ensure your mouth is sparkling from top to bottom. The charcoal toothpaste itself is highly absorbent to rid your teeth of existing stains in addition to providing a refreshing minty scent to your breath in the long run. The additional toothbrush is designed with ultra-fine bristles that intensively work away debris, while the tongue cleaner removes any lingering bacteria.
Cons: Because this paste is fluoride-free, you don’t get prevention against the formation of cavities in it. Though the tongue cleaner is a welcome piece of supplemental oral care, it can lead to irritating damage if used improperly or with too much force (i.e., cuts to the gums, tongue’s surface, and tastebuds).
Bottom Line: If you’re seeking a bundle pack that truly understands the value of tooth care, this Dental Expert Black Tooth Paste Kit provides some serious cleaning power for the entirety of your mouth.
Pros: With its blend of natural ingredients that are kind without sacrificing a bit of rigidity, this charcoal toothpaste gets to the root of mouth issues in order to better protect your roots. At the same time that its activated charcoal thwarts the accumulation of plaque, the inclusion of clove and guava leaf assist in the bacteria-killing process. Essential oils also limit malodor for all-day refreshment.
Cons: It’s important to note that this charcoal paste is not truly vegan-friendly, as it features glycerin, a substance derived from animal products. Its toothpaste capacity (3.5 ounces) is among the smallest on the market, so you should be prepared to find a replacement soon after your first purchase. Some people have noted varying results, as the toothpaste is not rapid-acting and may take several months of use before a change in teeth shade is noticeable.
Bottom Line: Another unique charcoal alternative that provides ample whitening power, this TWIN LOTUS Charcoal Toothpaste features a mixture of natural ingredients that work in unison to stop plaque buildup at the source.
Final Thoughts
Committing to buy your first batch of charcoal toothpaste isn’t going to change your life overnight. Like other teeth whitening methods, it takes time and a consistent but moderate amount of use. The defining factor for your transition to charcoal paste should be influenced by a desire or need to explore a new realm of safety and sensitivity for your dental health. If you want to try it out, take a look at our charcoal toothpaste recommendations.
