Toothpaste. It’s a simple thing. And yet, it’s one of the most important daily essentials we need to keep a healthy hygiene regimen. (Although between you and me, I often forgot to do the whole brush twice a day thing.) These days, there are about a million and one different types of toothpaste you can choose from, but there’s been one in particular that has caught the attention of the oral world. Charcoal toothpaste. It’s not your typical looking pasty friend. The black color looks more like something that would stain your teeth (coffee anyone?), however, it has the potential to not only brighten your teeth, but also to add additional additional benefits to your overall health. So, is this new trendy toothpaste all it’s cracked up to be? Or is hiding any dark little secrets?

In order to best evaluate whether or not charcoal toothpaste is all it’s cracked up to be, it would probably help to start by explaining how it’s supposed to work. First thing that is important to know, that when I say charcoal we are not talking about the, let’s get some burgers and hotdogs and have a cookout kind of charcoal. Rather, the charcoal that’s used is called activated charcoal that is derived from sources such as coconut shells or olive pits (among other things), and is activated by a heating process that requires extremely high temperatures. This inturn reduces the size of its pores and increases its surface area, thereby making it more porous. (Strange, but true.) This process also causes the charcoal to take on a negative electrical charge. That in combination with the porous nature of the charcoal allows it to basically suck up everything, including toxins and chemicals, in its path and expels it from your body when consumed internally. This can also have the same potential effect when used on your teeth. 

When you brush your teeth with charcoal, it has been shown to help absorb surface stains on the teeth, thus giving it a brighter and more polished appearance. But, is that where the benefits of this toothpaste end? Well, that depends entirely on who you would ask. There is mixed research on whether or not charcoal toothpaste has the ability in such a short amount of time to absorb all the toxins that lie in your gums and mouth (kind of gross, I know). There is also concern on whether or not the powdered charcoal can cause irritation or become trapped in fillings. And then of course there is the matter of fluoride and the fact that many charcoal toothpastes do not typically contain said ingredient. However, there is much debate on the issue of fluoride and the amount that is beneficial, so that point may be rendered moot. 

All that to say, there is strong evidence that charcoal toothpaste does help to remove the appearance of stains on the teeth. So, if that is your end goal, then charcoal toothpaste may just be the way to go. Plus, there is always the added potential of extra benefits from removing certain toxins and chemicals absorbed in your body if used for an extended period of time. On the other hand, if you are an individual with lots of fillings or braces, you may want to skip the dark stuff and reach for the pearly white tube instead. 

Regardless of which you choose, the important thing is that you use toothpaste. Your teeth (and everyone around you) will thank you for it.