Activated charcoal has recently gone viral; popping up in foods, drinks and beauty products all over social media, including its appearance as the latest in teeth whitening craze; but why!? How can rubbing black stuff on your teeth make them whiter and not leave you looking like a pirate? We’re here to give you the scoop on all things activated charcoal; and why it’s your new go-to for whiter teeth.

What is Activated Charcoal?

People hear “charcoal” and think BBQ coals; but this ain’t it fam. Activated charcoal is distinct from normal household charcoal in that it has a much larger surface area, which is what makes it so effective in absorbing toxins and therefore oral stains. Activated charcoal is created by applying increased heat and natural gas to the charcoal particles which results in the expanded surface area and its highly porous properties. Carbon Coco’s activated charcoal is sourced from 100% organic coconut shells and milled into the finest of powders to ensure it’s non-abrasive and safe for your teeth and gums.

The history of Activated Charcoal

While it’s easy to think of viral beauty trends as 5 minute fads, using charcoal for teeth whitening and other uses has been around for centuries. Due to its adsorbing properties, activated charcoal has been used in ancient societies as far back as Roman times for combatting intestinal problems and mouth odours. It was later used by ancient Phoenicians and Hindus in water purification and as part of their beauty routine; and it is still used today in the medical field to treat and prevent poisoning cases. It’s clear from the powders rich ayurvedic history that activated charcoal isn’t just a social media gimmick; and we think it’s here to stay.

How do you Whiten your Teeth with Charcoal?

We’re glad you asked. Here at Carbon Coco we want to make sure you’re looking after your teeth; so the first step in whitening with activated charcoal is to ensure you have the right tools. Always check you’re using a medical grade, finely milled activated charcoal on your teeth, such as our 100% natural teeth whitening polish. Some charcoal from health stores or otherwise aren’t fine enough for whitening and can end up harming your enamel and gums. You also want to ensure you use a specialised toothbrush with very soft bristles to apply the charcoal. Lastly, ensure you’re technique is nice and gentle, this applies to brushing in general- too much pressure and you’re risking your gums. With those basics out of the way- it’s time to get whitening! Simply dip a wet toothbrush in the powder and tap off any excess. Then brush for 2-3 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Easy! If you’re worried about mess, a handy hint is to brush with your activated charcoal in the shower; thus avoiding any potential clean up. For best results, we recommend following the powder with our activated charcoal toothpaste; and using for 7-14 days and then as necessary for maintenance.


So what do Dentists Think?

While some dentists will opt for the expensive, in clinic chemical whitening systems; many support this at home natural whitening alternative. Practicing dentist Dr Steven Lin states “using activated charcoal on your teeth is effective in absorbing plaque and other compounds that stain teeth”. The main culprit in teeth staining are called tannins; an organic compound found in dark coloured foods and drink such as tea and red wine. Activated charcoal is super effective in attracting tannins, so good news for all you wine drinkers out there; say hello to activated charcoal teeth whitening and you can kiss goodbye wine-stained teeth!

Where do I get it?

Click here to check out our range of natural teeth whitening products, including our 100% organic Activated Charcoal Tooth Polish and Activated Charcoal Toothpaste. And if you’re still not convinced that activated charcoal is right for you, check out our reviews from 100,000’s of satisfied customers around the world here.

Happy whitening!