Why You Should Brush With an Activated Charcoal Toothbrush [Video]

If you scan the toothbrush aisle and notice many bristles have mysteriously darkened, don’t be alarmed. You’re just looking at the future of dental hygiene: toothbrushes made with charcoal-infused bristles. 

White-bristled toothbrushes have been the norm for as long as you can remember, so it's no surprise if black toothbrush bristles make you do a double-take. But, as you'll soon learn, these activated charcoal toothbrushes are the latest trend in at-home oral care. And it's a trend that's here to stay. 

In this guide, we'll discuss what a charcoal toothbrush is and how you could benefit from using one. We'll also review its safety for adults and kids and share some tips for choosing the best one. Read on to discover everything you need to know the next time you come across this eye-catching, good-for-you product.

How Is a Charcoal Toothbrush Different From Other Toothbrushes?

The most noticeable difference between a charcoal toothbrush and what you think of as regular toothbrushes is the brush’s appearance. Unlike most commercial toothbrushes with white or clear nylon bristles, charcoal toothbrushes are dark because they've been intentionally infused with activated charcoal. But it's not just their appearance that distinguishes them from other toothbrushes. It's how charcoal toothbrushes work.

When you think of charcoal, you might visualize coals in a grill at a summer barbecue. But rest assured, you won't brush your teeth with briquettes. Activated charcoal is created through a different process than grill charcoal products.

Activated charcoal can be made from wood, peat, coconut shells, and other natural carbon sources that have been heated to very high temperatures. This “activated” charcoal results in a fine, odorless, black powder that has thousands of tiny pores. The highly absorbent, porous powder attracts microscopic material such as plaque and bacteria.

These activated charcoal bristles are ready to work before you even squeeze toothpaste onto your brush. Compared to your average new toothbrush, the bristles of a charcoal toothbrush offers an immediate advantage.

Benefits of an Activated Charcoal Toothbrush

Even though battery-powered electric toothbrushes have overshadowed manual toothbrushes for a while, activated charcoal toothbrushes are now taking the spotlight — and for good reason. As mentioned, activated charcoal can easily attract and trap toxins, making it popular for a range of medicinal and cosmetic uses.

We realize it might seem odd to clean your teeth with a darkly colored product. After all, the whole idea is to brighten and whiten your smile. But you’ll be surprised at what black charcoal can do. 

Here are the primary benefits of using a charcoal toothbrush:

Absorbs Toxins

Activated charcoal is alkaline and full of negative ions, which work on a microscopic level to attract bacteria, plaque, and other microbes that collect on your enamel and hide between your teeth and other hard-to-reach areas. It absorbs toxins and harmful substances, so when you brush and rinse your mouth, the bad stuff goes down the drain.

Deeper Clean

A regular toothbrush can scrape at the plaque on your teeth and move things around, but the gunk won’t adhere to the bristles. On the other hand, a charcoal-infused brush can remove more problem-causing bacteria. Because activated charcoal is alkaline, it can also remove plaque, which is acidic. 

A cleaner mouth will give you more than a shining smile. It also lowers your risk of common dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease and makes bad breath a thing of the past.

Can Remove Stains

If you struggle with stains on your teeth from coffee, tea, wine, or other dark beverages, a charcoal toothbrush can help. Chemical-laden whitening strips and commercial whitening toothpaste can cause irritation and serious discomfort for those with sensitive teeth. Activated charcoal is a natural, less abrasive way to remove stains. 

Along with removing bacteria and plaque, activated charcoal can bind to and remove tannins —the compounds in beverages like coffee and red wine — to help you get a whiter smile. 

Safe for Adults and Children

Activated charcoal toothbrushes are safe for both adults and children. Since the charcoal is embedded in the bristles, you won’t ingest any charcoal. But if your children will use charcoal toothpaste (or any kind of toothpaste), first to teach them how to spit out any excess toothpaste and not swallow it.

How to Choose a Charcoal Toothbrush

While a charcoal toothbrush is certainly a good idea for your dental care routine, keep in mind that not all these brushes are created equal. Some might be made from plastic and other synthetic chemicals that won’t do you or the planet any favors. So, look for those made with all-natural, plant-based materials from a trusted brand. Primal Life Organics carries a charcoal ion toothbrush that makes an ideal choice.

Here's what to look for when selecting your new toothbrush:

• BPA-free: Bisphenol A (BPA) is an industrial chemical involved in the manufacturing of some plastics. It has been linked to numerous health issues, including increased blood pressure and negative effects on the brains and behaviors of infants and children.
• Bamboo handle and brush head: Bamboo is a great toothbrush material because it naturally repels water and doesn't splinter. What's more, this natural, eco-friendly material is sustainable. That’s different from plastic toothbrushes, which account for a staggering amount of waste.
• Soft bristles: Look for a charcoal brush with soft bristles. The bristles can be much gentler on your tooth enamel and gum line.

What About Tooth Powder With Activated Charcoal?

​Tooth powder (another teeth cleaning substance) and toothbrushes made with activated charcoal can do wonders for your smile. But there’s one major reason you should pick the brush over the powder: It’s cleaner to use. 

When using charcoal tooth powder, it can spread across the sink, bathroom mirror, and your clothes. While it won’t stain anything if you quickly wipe it off, it can be a pain to remove after it dries on bathroom surfaces.

Plus, if a tooth powder spills in your suitcase, it can create a powdery mess. However, a charcoal toothbrush won’t leave any residue. That way, you can easily keep up your brushing routine while you’re on the go. 

A Charcoal Toothbrush Can Be Your New Dental BFF

While its dark color might throw you off at first, don't let the unusual appearance of a charcoal-infused toothbrush fool you. Using one of these black-bristled brushes is a simple, natural way to remove plaque, absorb stains, brighten teeth, and get rid of bad breath.

Along with flossing and regular dental check-ups, incorporating an activated charcoal toothbrush in your oral hygiene routine can boost your dental health. Just remember there are more factors beyond activated charcoal infusion to consider. Look for trusted brands that stay away from chemical ingredients like BPA, and only use natural, eco-friendly materials.

While using charcoal tooth powder can get messy, don't forget you have options. Once you get your soft charcoal toothbrush, combine it with a white, all-natural tooth powder for a powerful clean — you can get these products from Primal Life Organics. Your mouth will look and feel better than ever, giving you plenty of reasons to smile.