Charcoal toothbrushes have become a big trend.
Proponents tout their benefits, saying they can:
Thats because of theactivated charcoalinfused into their bristles.
But do they work?
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
And are they safe?
What Is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is an extremely porous substance with certain health benefits.
The pores allow it to trap chemicals.
Activated Charcoal
Because of its porous nature, activated charcoal works like a sponge.
However, evidence behind other usesincluding dental useis lacking.
Much of the research is decades old and preliminary at best.
So far, AC hasnt made it past animal trials or small human trials for most possible uses.
Recap
Charcoal toothbrushes have become trendy due to several purported benefits.
Activated charcoal is used to treat emergency poisoning and overdose.
Other uses are unproven.
Do Charcoal Toothbrushes Work?
If you listen to certain celebrities and online influencers, you may have heard a lot about charcoal toothbrushes.
Theyre said to whiten teeth, removeplaque, and freshen breath by killing germs.
But when you look at the research, instead of glowing praise, you find conflicting evidence.
A 2017 review of studies urges dentists to advise caution about using AC products.
Researchers have said not enough is known about their safety and effectiveness.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Teeth Whitening
When it comes towhitening, some research shows AC does work.
However, in one study, AC toothpaste was less effective than toothpaste containing microbeads or blue covarine.
Also, not all of the research agrees.
A 2020 study concluded that charcoal-based powders are ineffective for bleaching teeth.
Better Breath
Mostbad breathis resulting from bacteria on your teeth and tongue.
So, reducing bacteria in your mouth can help keep your breath fresh.
AC toothbrushes may be effective at lowering bacteria.
A 2018 study specifically on charcoal-infused toothbrushes found they are effective at lowering levels of bacteria.
Researchers didnt specifically address bad breath, so its unknown whether the lower bacterial levels helped.
At least one small study supports this.
The 2019 research showed that charcoal toothbrushes reduced plaque.
It also lowered markers of gingivitis (gum inflammation),which may be due to lowered bacterial levels.
One study suggested antibacterial properties, which may improve breath.
Some research suggests they reduce plaque and markers of gingivitis.
Downsides
Its not just a lack of evidence thats a problem with AC.
Activated charcoal has some drawbacks when it comes to dental use.
Messy
Charcoal toothbrushes are a clean way to use charcoal.
But charcoal toothpastes and powders can be extremely messy.
They can leave black residue in your sink, on your counters, and on your skin or clothes.
They can also leave your teeth looking graynot what you want from a whitening product.
Erosion
The real danger of AC on your teeth is erosion.
Your teeth are coated in a layer ofenamel, which is hard and protective.
But your enamel can be eroded by abrasive products.
Enamel erosion can expose the softer tissue underneath, which is calleddentin.
Dentin is naturally yellow.
So erosive products can actually make your teeth more yellow.
Worn-off enamel cant be replaced.
Sometimes they have to be removed.
Expensive veneers may be the only way to have white teeth again.
Summary
Charcoal toothbrushes may not live up to the hype.
Evidence is mixed on whether they whiten teeth.
Charcoal is abrasive and may erode your enamel.
Dentists generally don’t approve of these products.
They can guide you toward products and methods that are proven safe and effective.
If you do choose to use a charcoal toothbrush despite the warnings, only use it occasionally.
Remember that your tooth enamel cant be replaced.
Many whitening products are available that wont permanently harm your teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Activated charcoal is made with carbon-rich materials.
These include things like wood, sawdust, peat, or coconut shells.
Theyre heated to very high temperatures, which strips away certain molecules and makes pores smaller.
That basically increases its surface area.
The greater surface area means it can bind to and absorb an astounding amount compared to its mass.
Activated charcoal doesnt get into your bloodstream.
It stays in the digestive tract and comes out in your stool.
So how long it stays in your system depends on how efficient your digestive system is.
Daily AC on your teeth can wear away enamel.
As a supplement, its believed to be safe in the short term.
Not enough is known about long-term use.
Activated charcoal comes in supplement form, face masks, and tooth-care products.
Some people take supplements for high cholesterol, kidney disease, and gas.
However, medical science doesnt support these uses.
The one proven benefit of activated charcoal is treating poisoning and drug overdose in the emergency room.
Juurlink DN.Activated charcoal for acute overdose: a reappraisal.Br J Clin Pharmacol.
2019;27:e20180051.
2019;20(3):377-384.
Published 2019 Mar 1.
American Dental Association.Natural teeth whitening: Fact vs. fiction.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Activated charcoal.
Updated November 23, 2021.
