Inquiring minds want to know if charcoal really whitens teeth. After all, don’t we love a bright, clean smile? To discover the answer, we did a charcoal teeth whitening review. We researched the best charcoal teeth whiteners – check them out now:
| The best charcoal teeth whitening products | Why we love them |
|---|---|
| hello Activated Charcoal Epic Teeth Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste |
|
| Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste |
|
| Banyan Botanicals Mint Cardamom Tooth Powder |
|
| Schmidt's Wondermint with Activated Charcoal Toothpaste |
|
| Cali White Activated Charcoal & Organic Coconut Oil Teeth Whitening Toothpaste |
|
Contents
- 1 What is the best charcoal teeth whitener?
- 2 Does charcoal teeth whitening really work?
- 3 What’s the downside to charcoal teeth whitening?
- 4 How long does it take to whiten teeth with charcoal?
- 5 Best Charcoal Teeth Whitening Products in 2024
- 5.1 hello Activated Charcoal Epic Teeth Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
- 5.2 Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
- 5.3 Banyan Botanicals Mint Cardamom Tooth Powder
- 5.4 Schmidt’s Wondermint with Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
- 5.5 Cali White Activated Charcoal & Organic Coconut Oil Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
- 6 Conclusion
What is the best charcoal teeth whitener?
Among all these possibilities, which is the best charcoal teeth whitening product?
We prefer toothpaste to powder unless the powder has a fine enough texture (more on that in a minute). But every whitening product needs time to work. It has to sit on the tooth long enough to make a difference. It means you’ll need to spend a little more time brushing your teeth (1).
And that’s why you’ll want a product that doesn’t make you gag – something that tastes pleasant and feels nice so that you’ll look for to using it.
Also, charcoal is abrasive. Although it may absorb some stains, in most cases it scrapes them off the teeth. The problem here is that it thins the enamel, putting your teeth at risk for cavities and worse (2).
In most cases, we selected charcoal tooth whitening products with a fine texture. They may take more time to work, but they get the job done more safely.
Does charcoal teeth whitening really work?
We have to be honest with you. A formal study shows that more information is needed. Lots of people claim that their charcoal toothpaste works miracles on their smile. We don’t doubt their experience, we just want you to be careful because humans don’t grow back teeth like some animals do (3).
Plus, there are two types of stains on the teeth: intrinsic on the dentin and extrinsic on the enamel. Charcoal products can only treat the ones on the surface. Deeper stains need to be bleached by a dentist with professional products.
What’s the downside to charcoal teeth whitening?
Just like when you use the steel wool on the frying pan and your mom flips out because you scratched it, using the wrong stuff on your teeth will damage them. Choose charcoal teeth whitening products from reliable manufacturers and be cautious all the same. You really don’t want to scrape all the enamel off your teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and don’t let your little brother use the charcoal toothpaste, either. A child’s developing teeth can’t stand up to the abrasion.
Prepare yourself because charcoal teeth whitening products are black. It might be a shock at first, but they rinse clean and shouldn’t stain your lips, teeth, or tongue.
How long does it take to whiten teeth with charcoal?
With luck, you’ll notice a positive difference after the first use. But it may take a few weeks of daily brushing to make a significant change in the appearance of your teeth.
You might also talk to your dentist about other tooth whitening options. There’s likely to be something that works a little faster.
Okay, we know you’re dying to try it, so let’s help you find the best charcoal whitener right now.
Best Charcoal Teeth Whitening Products in 2024
hello Activated Charcoal Epic Teeth Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
We don’t want to get into the debate about fluoride versus non-fluoride toothpaste. All we can say is that most dental professionals recommend it because fluoride hardens the enamel and prevents cavities and other issues. If you’re on the fence, choose the fluoridated toothpaste.
With that said, here is a fluoride-free charcoal toothpaste that’s a real crowdpleaser. It comes in three flavors: peppermint, spearmint, and fresh mint. Each one features coconut oil, a naturally antibacterial ingredient.
It’s black because it’s packed with activated charcoal made from sustainable bamboo. This not only reduces stains but also polishes the teeth and freshens the breath.
Check the label and you’ll see a description of what each ingredient does. For example, there’s xylitol, a natural sugar that prevents bacterial growth in the mouth (4). Then, there are sulfate-free cleansers derive from coconuts. What’s more, this is a vegan and cruelty-free product.
It’s not surprising that reviewers love this whitening toothpaste. They say it’s super smooth and tasty. Some say their teeth look up to four shades lighter after using it for a couple of months.
Pros:
- Sulfate-free with no saccharin or aspartame
- Available in three minty natural flavors
- Smooth texture and deep black color
- Antibacterial and odor-reducing power from coconut oil and activated charcoal made from bamboo
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
- None unless you’re looking for a fluoridated toothpaste
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride-Free Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste
Tom’s of Maine starts off like a typical toothpaste with water, hydrated silica, and sorbitol. But instead of harsh sulfates, nasty sweeteners, and artificial preservatives, it takes the higher road. It uses peppermint oil, xylitol, and coconut-based cleansers to get your teeth clean in the nicest way possible.
Moreover, even though it has activated charcoal powder, it’s gentle enough to use daily. Users say it leaves their mouths feeling fresh and their teeth and gums cleaner than other things they’ve used.
Not only is it a nice natural toothpaste, but it comes from a certified B-Corp brand that donates 10% of their profits to charities for the environment and children’s health and education.
Pros:
- Flavored with peppermint oil and packed with natural ingredients
- Free from sulfates, artificial preservatives, and sketchy sweeteners
- Provides a thorough cleansing of the teeth and gums
- From a certified B-Corp. brand that donates profits to children’s charities
Cons:
- None unless you wanted a fluoridated toothpaste (which is available)
Banyan Botanicals Mint Cardamom Tooth Powder
Let’s take a look at an Ayurvedic tooth powder. This is a centuries-old way to brush teeth.
This manufacturer offers two zesty flavors: mint cardamom and cinnamon clove. Both are equally good for cleansing the teeth and gums and fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
It takes a little practice to learn how to use a miswak, or tooth cleaning stick, but this kit makes it fun if you have one. Otherwise, feel free to use a soft toothbrush. Wet the brush, dip it into the powder, and get to work.
It turns the teeth black and sometimes green while you’re brushing, which is entertaining. And seriously, no toothpaste ever tasted this good. Just look at what’s inside – licorice and cardamom, plus essential oils of spearmint and peppermint.
Yes, there’s charcoal, baking soda, and neem, too. The latter one is a detoxifying and healing ingredient used in Ayurvedic medicine. Furthermore, this tooth powder is completely free of artificial ingredients.
The ingredients are USDA-certified organic and sustainably sourced. Plus, the tooth powders are verified for quality and safety by a third-party laboratory. If you aren’t happy, they offer a full refund.
One container holds enough to brush twice a day for a month. Users say it’s helped with bleeding gums and provides a deep, refreshing clean.
Pros:
- Absolutely no artificial ingredients
- Flavored with essential oils and botanicals
- A modern upgrade to traditional Ayurvedic tooth cleaning powder
- Available in two spicy flavors: cinnamon clove and mint cardamom
- Works with a soft toothbrush or a miswak
- Manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Cleansing with tooth powder can be more abrasive than toothpaste – be cautious until you get the hang of it
Schmidt’s Wondermint with Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
Some say this vegan charcoal toothpaste is the best they’ve tried. What’s interesting is that it doesn’t mess with the flavors of food and drinks consumed soon after brushing.
Moreover, it’s extra smooth in the mouth and easy to dispense from the tube. It leaves the teeth and gums refreshed and feeling extra clean.
It sounds so appealing that we did extra digging to find out what’s in it. The base ingredients aren’t anything different from the typical natural charcoal toothpaste: water, silica, glycerin, xylitol, calcium carbonate… But soon the label begins to get interesting. For example, there’s tea tree oil, goji berry, pomegranate, and Coenzyme Q10. Charcoal powder doesn’t even appear until near the end.
Why would you want Coenzyme Q10 in your toothpaste? We thought it was only for face creams. But it turns out that it prevents gum disease (5). Some of the other ingredients are rich in antioxidants or have antibacterial properties to protect the gums and teeth, too.
Pros:
- Potent natural toothpaste with protection for the teeth and gums
- Smooth and pleasantly flavored, it leaves the mouth feeling extra clean
- Infused with antimicrobial and healing ingredients like tea tree oil, goji berry, and Coenzyme Q10
- Vegan and contains no harsh sulfates, sweeteners, or preservatives
Cons:
- None, unless you wanted to see charcoal powder higher on the list of ingredients
Cali White Activated Charcoal & Organic Coconut Oil Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Have you heard about coconut oil and activated charcoal teeth whitening? This toothpaste has both, plus baking soda and diatomaceous earth. That’s right, there are no sulfates, peroxide, triclosan, fluoride, or harsh preservatives. It provides an all-natural clean that wards off bad breath and guards against gum disease.
But what about its whitening ability? A clinical trial showed that it can make teeth up to 7.7 shades lighter. While it creates that blinding smile, it also remineralizes and strengthens the teeth.
Coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial, but so is another key ingredient – tea tree oil. Even the natural peppermint oil flavor can help keep germs at bay. The toothpaste prevents plaque and cavities naturally.
Users say it’s not gritty, but rather finely textured, but it doesn’t make much foam. Thankfully, the mint flavor is mild, too. One reviewer said that brushing daily for a week removed coffee stains from the teeth.
Pros:
- Chemical-free natural whitening toothpaste clinically proven to lighten tooth color
- Also contains diatomaceous earth, tea tree oil, and baking soda
- Natural peppermint oil for a mild, fresh flavor
- Prevents bad breath and plaque build-up
- Smooth texture, not gritty
Cons:
- Doesn’t foam up, but some would say that’s a plus
Conclusion
If you wish you had a bright white smile, consider charcoal teeth whitening. The right charcoal toothpaste or tooth powder may be just what you need. Be sure to look for additional benefits like antibacterial action to protect your gums and keep your breath fresh.
We hope you found your new favorite toothpaste today. If so, we’d love to hear about your experience with it. Please feel free to leave us a comment below.
Sources:
1. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-to-know-about-activated-charcoal-whitening What to Know About Activated Charcoal Whitening, accessed August 19, 2021
2. https://omahadentists.net/blog/truth-brushing-activated-charcoal-toothpaste/ What is the Truth Behind Brushing with Activated Charcoal Toothpaste? Published May 28, 2019, accessed August 19, 2021
3. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30412-9/fulltext Charcoal and charcoal-based dentifrices: A literature review, by John K. Brooks, DDS, et al., published September 1, 2017, accessed August 21, 2021
4. https://www.cda.org/portals/0/pdfs/fact_sheets/xylitol_english.pdf accessed August 21, 2021
5. https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2010-05/efficacy-perfect-smile-toothpaste-containing-coenzyme-q10-b-cyclodextrin-inclusion The Efficacy of Perfect Smile Toothpaste Containing Coenzyme Q10-b-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex in Reducing Mild to Moderate Gingivitis by Charles A. Babbush, et al., published May 2010, accessed August 21, 2021