Best Charcoal Toothpastes

It used to be that charcoal wasn’t something men associated with oral hygiene. Grilling in the backyard? For sure. Nourishing a compost heap? Absolutely. A water filter? Possibly. But recently, that black residue dubbed activated charcoal has found its way into a variety of grooming products. Maybe the most surprising of the batch? Toothpaste. RELATED: Best Charcoal Face Masks for Men Activated charcoal toothpastes are being viewed as a revival of ancient medicine techniques, dating back to 1500 B.C. where the powdery complex was used for more for medicinal purposes and less to fight tooth decay. According to Everyday Health, it’s used in drug overdoses and accidental poisonings, to relieve stomach pains, and may even help fight high cholesterol. It has also permeated through the world of grooming and is now infused in skin care, hair care, deodorants, body washes — you name it and there is probably an activated charcoal option you can buy. Maybe one of the most notable uses for activated charcoal of late is to whiten teeth. Whether it involves toothpastes, mouthwashes, or activated charcoal powders, the benefits of using this buzzworthy ingredient seem endless, but that does come with some caution. Prolonged use may damage teeth, but when low abrasive variations are used in moderation for surface teeth whitening, the results can be bright. What Is Activated Charcoal? Also known as activated carbon, this powder is made from wood or other materials exposed to high temperatures in an airless environment, which is then activated to increase absorption capabilities and become highly porous to attract and hold organic chemicals inside. The less-scientific definition is it’s a carbon treated chemically or physically to develop pores that allow the substance to absorb toxins — in this case plaque and stains — detoxifying the body from harmful substances. Benefits of Charcoal Toothpaste Many experts suggest, along with some research that brushing one’s teeth with this black sludge will earn you oral health gains. The following are strong possibilities: Cavity blocker: Brushing with a charcoal toothpaste changes the pH balance in the mouth to rid molars of decayed spots by making the mouth less acidic. Fight halitosis: Bad breath usually occurs when toxins leave the body, so using a carbon toothpaste will get rid of the dragon in the dungeon. Germ killer: Some variants are clinically proven to reduce bacteria by up to 90 percent. Whitens teeth: It can adsorb plaque and microscopic morsels responsible for staining those fangs. Quite the enticing list of pros. Then again, like with all great products, much of what’s read can also be deemed too good to be true. Certain dentists believe while the cosmetic result of this method can lead to pearly whites for some, the same won’t hold true for others. One potential side effect is it could leave tooth enamel susceptible to deterioration and erosion in the long term. Other reactions include adsorption of prescription medications, black stools, and severe constipation. Though this tends to be the case for anyone misusing activated charcoal. Which begs the question: How often can it be used? How to Use Activated Charcoal Depending which variant is applied — powder or toothpaste – the procedure remains the same. The yellowness of your teeth will determine how often to brush. It’s recommend to use activated charcoal once daily for anywhere between 3-5 days in a row. There won’t be any need to revisit it until several months down the line. The directions are straightforward for brushing with a carbon toothpaste: Step 1: Wet the toothbrush Step 2: Carefully spread toothpaste or powder onto head of toothbrush Step 3: Brush gently for up to one minute Step 4: Rinse mouth with water Step 5: Brush tongue with water to get rid of that black color effect No rocket science required. Now that we’re past Active Charcoal 101, open wide as we feed you a substantial dose of the market’s top carbon toothpastes. Our Favorite Charcoal Toothpastes Twin Lotus Active Charcoal Toothpaste With almost 3,000 reviews on Amazon and a four-star average, Twin Lotus earns bragging rights for best activated charcoal toothpaste on the oral hygiene block. It’s a non-abrasive selection that features a triple-action formula to simultaneously kill bad breath, remove bacteria, and whiten teeth by removing surface stains. Advanced herbal extract leaves will create a refreshing sensation behind. Guys with fragile bridgework will find the product specializes in soothing teeth after a good rinse. But the fact it harnesses similar oral healthcare virtues as other premium toothpastes and goes beyond the call of duty makes it the champ in its category. $9.99 at Amazon.com Terra & Co. Brilliant Black Toothpaste Activated charcoal, organic extra virgin coconut oil, tea tree oil, and baking soda — talk about a strong foundation for a carbon toothpaste. Terra Brilliant’s teeth-cleaning system is billed as a “safe alternative” to other whitening products for oral care that combats bacteria and tames plaque to produce a polished, fresh-tasting finish for diligent brushers. The non-toxic toothpaste penetrates those ivories to protect enamel and gums from abrasions. And it’s through the blend of activated carbon and baking soda where it offers high-quality stain removal. Know the bundled toothbrush is specially designed for use with the toothpaste to never ruin the bristle coloring, plus it has polyester bristles with rounded ends for gentle sweeping across teeth. $16 at Amazon.com Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste This naturally friendly oral care brand designed its charcoal toothpaste to hit several dental hygiene verticals. Those checked off of the list: fresh breath, natural whitening, plaque removal, and overall oral health. Talk about some remarkable feats for a low-cost toothpaste. The product employs natural detoxifiers and odor-reducing ingredients to keep gingivitis and halitosis at bay, all while polishing up those chompers. $5.96 at Walmart.com Dental Expert Active Whitening Charcoal Toothpaste This charcoal toothpaste remains a Best Seller on Amazon with a huge international following to back up 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 an affordable price. If it does one thing best, that’s comfort the mouth with fresh mintiness to push self-confidence through the roof during close encounters with others. $15.99 at Amazon.com Colgate Charcoal Clean Toothpaste Fight bad breath with this mint-and-charcoal combo paste from Colgate. It applies smoothly and tastes delicious, but best of all it leaves your mouth feeling clean and refreshed. $6.98 at Amazon.com Lucky Teeth Organic Charcoal Toothpaste There are many kinds of toothpastes, but toothpaste in a jar isn’t one you see everyday. 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. Minerals aid in remineralization of enamel, while cinnamon, peppermint, and spearmint fight off mouth infections and bad breath. $27.99 for 2 at Amazon.com Curaprox Black is White Activated Charcoal Toothpaste  No chemical bleaching or harmful additives, just sheer whitening teeth power. The Black is White toothpaste excels at surface stain removal by incorporating strong ingredients from fluoride to sodium hydroxyapatite, helping create a barrier to protect teeth against cavities and pathogens. Upon inspection, many will notice tiny blue particles that are used to filter the discoloration of teeth. $20.96 at Amazon.com Ecodenta Ecologic Charcoal Black Whitening Toothpaste Ecodenta’s built a reputation overseas for manufacturing oral care products that fuse modern science with nature to create all-natural solutions. Odontologist-approved, this black toothpaste hosts a variety of rich ingredients spearheaded by charcoal and the unique substance Teavigo that together help fend off gum disease ensuring full dental care. This includes a nice antibacterial effect and tartar control. Stains are subdued with future ones stopped in their tracks. It does offer whitening capabilities that become noticeable through common use and leaves a subtle minty aftertaste on the tongue. $14 at Amazon.com What's All This About Charcoal Mouthwash? When brushing your teeth just doesn't seem to feel complete, or brushing with the jet-black supplement doesn’t sound so pleasant, you do have the option of swishing it around. Much of the same benefits of a charcoal toothpaste are present, plus integrating it into your oral hygiene routine does compliment brushing or flossing. You won’t go broke investing in a charcoal mouthwash, so we say give one of the following selections a shot for a little added natural teeth whitening. Hello Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Fluoride Free Mouthwash Hello offers the most popular mouthwash in the category. It’s infused with charcoal, tea tree oil, and xylitol — three natural ingredients guaranteed to do away with bad breath and bacteria. No hazardous chemicals or ingredients are used, and it leaves a nice minty aftertaste after rinsing. If you’re still not satisfied, the brand also offers activated charcoal dental floss. $31.46 (3-Pack) at Amazon.com My Magic Mud Activated Charcoal Cinnamon Rinse Relying on special blend of vegan, smart ingredients, this sweet and spicy rinse features aloe vera and turmeric for inflammatory relief, along with a “high concentration of xylitol” to protect molars from cavities. One swig might have you feeling like you’ve just rinsed with liquified Big Red gum. The brand also offers a Classic Mint version if you desire something a bit cooler. $26.99 at Walmart.com MOON Charcoal Mouthwash MOON's charcoal-infused mouth rinse promises to not only fight plaque but also brighten up the appearance of your teeth. Its formula is designed with non-toxic ingredients that won't disrupt your mouth's natural biome, while nonetheless attacking the odor-causing bacteria responsible for bad breath. $16.99 at Amazon.com Whether you intend on brushing with a paste or a powder, there is an activated charcoal option for you out there. It’s always a good idea to check with your dentist before any big changes in your dental routine. You Might Also Dig: Best Teeth Whitening Products Best Electric Toothbrushes How to Trim Your Pubic Hair