Post-lockdown, it comes as no surprise that there was a rise in dental procedures and teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after treatments.
Teeth whitening has not always had the best rep over the years. Whether it’s stories of destroying the enamel of the teeth with harsh formulations and ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, or costing an arm and a leg, it can be an unattractive prospect for many.
That’s where activated charcoal comes in. It is a natural substance, derived from the likes of coconut shells, olive pits, slowly burned wood, and peat which oxidises when it comes into contact with extreme heat. With this in mind, you are probably wondering why you would ever put this near your mouth. Well…
What are the benefits of activated charcoal?
The properties of activated charcoal make it porous and absorbent and so it binds to toxins. Not the charcoal you’d find coating your BBQ grills, this activated type is used in skincare, detoxifying water filters and teeth whitening products, the latter for its ability to lift stains.
Dr Alfonso Rao, head of the dental division at Define Clinic, Beaconsfield confirms, “activated charcoal acts in a high surface area and consequently has the capacity of adsorbing pigments, chromophores and stains responsible for the colour change of teeth. It is highly porous, resulting in effective and progressive cleaning of the dentition.” That being said, he stresses, “charcoal whitening agents have no scientific proof. There are a lot of whitening products on the market but not clear studies on which system is more effective.”
Whether you need your morning coffee fix or have a penchant for red wine, these surface stains that live on the enamel layer may be causing you stress and affecting your confidence and charcoal-based products may be the answer. Removing them may lead to whiter teeth.
How often should you use charcoal whitening products?
Dr Alfonso Rao believes that “charcoal toothpaste is too abrasive for everyday use”.
Dr Aneka Khaira, cosmetic dentist and founder of Vogue Dental agrees and further stresses: “If you use an abrasive toothpaste i.e. charcoal or bicarbonate of soda containing toothpastes, this will cause irreversible damage to your teeth as the particles will erode the enamel. At first it may appear that your teeth are whiter as the surface staining is removed however it will then strip a layer of enamel and eventually as the enamel thins the second layer denting will show through which is darker and more yellow. After years once you’ve lost the enamel you cannot regain it.
“Most charcoal toothpaste brands do not contain fluoride. Fluoride helps keep your tooth enamel strong, which helps to protect your teeth against cavities and decay. There is some evidence linking charcoal toothpaste to increased tooth decay.”
And so, pay close attention to the ingredients in the products. We have only included products that are gentle enough with formula concoctions that contain kind-to-teeth essentials.
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Charcoal toothpastes
Moon Oral Care Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste Fluoride-Free
Housed in its signature chic black packaging, Moon will make an attractive addition to your bathroom cabinet. The brand, fronted by one Kendall Jenner, creates its products with antioxidants, coconut-based surfactants and essential oils without any nasty fillers like parabens or artificial flavouring.
The Activated Charcoal Whitening Toothpaste Fluoride-Free works to polish your pearly whites, removing stains and leaving you with minty fresh breath.
As if by magic, the black hued paste becomes a grey foam so you won’t scare your partner with your black charcoal covered teeth and sink.
Buy now £10.99, Cult Beauty
Georganics Charcoal Toothpaste
By introducing Georganics into your oral care regime, you are doing your bit to reduce your impact on the planet. The sustainable label uses locally sourced ingredients, created in products in small batches and the packaging is either compostable or recyclable.
While being kind to the environment, the Mineral Toothpaste is kind on your teeth too. The natural, organic formulation works to remove surface stains in a gentle way that actually makes them feel clean and not sensitivitie.
Magnesium carbonate remineralises teeth, kaolin clay tackles toxins and sodium bicarbonate polishes. Then there’s coconut oil to prevent a buildup of plaque and fortify your gnashers. The specialised Activated Charcoal formula brings a whitening quality to the line-up (that also includes English Peppermint and Orange) and removes bacteria.
Buy now £6.90, Cult Beauty
Hello Epic Whitening Activated Charcoal Flouride Toothpaste
As far as your mouth-maintaining essentials go, hello is up there with the best. The brand creates dental products using vegan formulations that are also free from SLS/sulphates, peroxides, artificial colourants, sweeteners, and flavours.
The activated charcoal toothpaste offers a natural process of whitening that removes peroxide from the equation. This ensures that you will whiten and get a great clean without causing cavities or embarrassing halitosis. It goes against everything you may have heard about charcoal toothpastes as the fresh mint and coconut oil tastes really pleasant so you can use it on a twice-daily basis with no qualms.
The brand also offers a mouthwash and a toothbrush - the latter of which is made from a plant-based handle and charcoal-infused bristles.
Buy now £2.99, Superdrug
Arm & Hammer Charcoal White
Achieve a brighter smile without harming your teeth - you only get one adult set after all - with Arm & Hammer and this sink-side addition. The brand is known for its use of baking soda in its toothpaste formulations and this is no different. It combines the natural cleaner with charcoal for ever greater stain removal.
There’s also the trademarked Active Calcium ingredient so that while you buff out the remnants of your morning brew, you are also restoring the enamel and not removing it. You’ll see the difference of whiter and brighter teeth in just a few days of usage.
Buy now £2.99, Superdrug
Lush Boom Toothpaste Tabs
Lush is famous for its almost complete removal of any packaging waste to help us all lessen our impact on the planet. This goes for your toothpaste too. These charcoal-enriched tablets also contain baking soda for a natural whitening powerhouse formula that removes stains. It has an unusual spicy taste that is strangely invigorating in the mornings. All you need to do is place the tablet in your mouth, wet your brush and get to work. You can use it every day or when you need a brightening top-up.
There is also a toothpaste jelly (£6) with a clove flavouring if you prefer a paste texture.
Buy now £6.50, Lush
Curaprox Black is White Toothpaste and Toothbrush set
If you’ve never ventured into the world of activated charcoal toothpaste before, Curaprox may give you a shock on first usage. The paste turns your entire mouth and teeth black which is not the most attractive look. But the sacrifice is worth it in order to step your oral health up a few notches. With this ingredient as well as fluoride, you are counteracting discolouration while preventing the tooth decay that may occur from bleaching.
Buy now £19.95, Amazon
Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Charcoal Toothpaste
Unlike some of the more jarring black toothpastes, Beverly Hills Formula has created its charcoal product that still resembles the traditional white paste that we are more familiar with. With the seal of approval from some expert dental hygienists, it has a high performance level of tannin removal to give you the pearly white smile you’re after. Cue the compliments.
Buy now £4.49, lookfantastic
Oral B 3D White Luxe Charcoal Toothpaste
Oral B has created this nourishing formula with charcoal powder and flouride. The paste texture transforms into a foam with a polishing effect on surface stains, while strengthening enamel at the same time. Working double-duty, it should even tackle those tougher discolorations - just make sure you’re using twice daily to maximise the effects.
Buy now £2.99, Superdrug
Colgate Natural Extracts Charcoal Toothpaste
The universally-recognised toothpaste brand is on hand to make even charcoal-based oral care a pleasant experience. The taste is not overwhelming or strong and it leaves a fresh taste in your mouth while counteracting the likes of garlic breath. The formula combines naturally activated charcoal actives with ingredients inspired by traditional Asian medicine to shield against cavities and promote healthy gums while you make your teeth beautifully white.
Buy now £4.99, Superdrug
Charcoal teeth whitening kits
Rapid White 1 Week Charcoal Teeth Whitening Kit
Take your teeth whitening into your own hands without breaking the bank with this kit from Rapid White. It contains a specialised charcoal whitening system that works over a week period where it is said to make your gnashers four shades whiter by the end of the seven days - no peroxide needed.
You start by fitting the dental trays which is easy to do with just boiling hot water. This customises the experience and makes sure each and every tooth will benefit and feel comfortable. The product gets to work quickly, where you should notice a real visible difference even before the full treatment is completed. There is also a charcoal whitening toothpaste included to enhance the whitening experience.
Buy now £12.00, Boots
Wisdom Intense White Teeth Whitening Strips Charcoal
Whitening strips are some of the easiest ways to whiten teeth as all you need to do is remove from the packet, place on your teeth and wait for the magic to happen. The activated charcoal contained within the product offers an enhanced stain removal so that you should notice results in just three days. From start to finish, it couldn’t be easier. The strips stay firmly in place and the results speak for themselves, particularly if stains are caused from the likes of coffee.
Buy now £17.99, Superdrug
Charcoal powders
Pro Teeth Whitening Co. Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder
If you’ve had experience with teeth whitening in the past, you will likely be familiar with the methods described above but are probably not well-practised with a powder. It’s much easier than you may think. Just take a pinch and place it in the palm of your hand. Dip your wet toothbrush into the powder and brush like normal for one to two minutes, followed by a second brush to rinse. The formula has been designed to be all natural and free from any additives or preservatives to ensure it is kind on enamel. It works especially well on new and surface stains to return your teeth to their bright glory.
Buy now £15.00, Boots
Boots Charcoal Powder Polish
When your smile has lost its sheen, call in for reinforcements in the form of this powdered polish. It has activated charcoal at its heart that gets to work in an instant removing the buildup of plaque and stains to leave teeth brighter and whiter. Use in conjunction with a fluoride toothpaste in order to protect enamel as it can feel quite abrasive. It is not one for daily use but simply when you need to call in the whitening big guns.
Buy now £8.00, Boots
Charcoal mouthwash
Georganics Charcoal Mouthwash
If dragon breath is causing you stress, this minty mouthwash should do the trick. It comes from sustainable label Georganics and so you can be sure that the packaging is plastic-free, biodegradable or recyclable. This formula takes inspiration from Ayurvedic practices thanks to the inclusion of coconut oil - a natural antimicrobial that also shields from tooth decay and gum disease. The inclusion of activated charcoal has a whitening effect.
Buy now £6.90, Cult Beauty
Colgate Plax White Charcoal Whitening Mouthwash
Swish on this mouthwash to tantalise your tastebuds each morning and provide long-lasting freshness thanks to the FreshFX technology. Don’t be alarmed by the black hue of the liquid, use this and you will be able to enjoy the halitosis-fighting capabilities without that burning sensation. It has been formulated with a unique WhiteProtect system as well as charcoal and flouride to protect your teeth and fight against bacteria, cavities and plaque.
Buy now £4.99, Superdrug
