Whiten your teeth  Improve your breath Kill bacteria in your gums Remove plaque from your teeth

That’s because of the activated charcoal infused into their bristles. But do they work? And are they safe?

This article will look at what activated charcoal is, the possible benefits, and the downsides of using charcoal toothbrushes.

Activated Charcoal

Because of its porous nature, activated charcoal works like a sponge. It’s sometimes used to treat conditions such as:

Poisoning and drug overdose Intestinal gas High cholesterol Hangovers

Activated charcoal (AC) is one of the most used emergency treatments for poisoning and overdose. That’s because it can trap drugs and other toxins so they aren’t absorbed by your digestive tract. Evidence supports this use.

However, evidence behind other uses—including dental use—is lacking. Much of the research is decades old and preliminary at best. So far, AC hasn’t made it past animal trials or small human trials for most possible uses.

Do Charcoal Toothbrushes Work?

If you listen to certain celebrities and online influencers, you may have heard a lot about charcoal toothbrushes. They’re said to whiten teeth, remove plaque, 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.

Benefits

Some research has shown there may be benefits of AC for dental use, but not enough studies have been done for any firm conclusions to be drawn.

Teeth Whitening

When it comes to whitening, 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

Most bad breath is caused by 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. 

In the study, after use, the toothbrush bristles contained significantly fewer bacteria than regular toothbrushes used by the same people for the same amount of time.

Researchers didn’t specifically address bad breath, so it’s unknown whether the lower bacterial levels helped.

Plaque Removal

Its absorbent nature has raised the possibility that AC may help remove plaque from your teeth. 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.

Downsides

It’s not just a lack of evidence that’s 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 gray—not 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 of enamel, which is hard and protective.

But your enamel can be eroded by abrasive products. Enamel erosion can expose the softer tissue underneath, which is called dentin. 

Dentin is naturally yellow. So erosive products can actually make your teeth more yellow.

Not Dentist Approved

The American Dental Association (ADA) warns against using AC on your teeth because of the erosion problem.

Worn-off enamel can’t be replaced. Erosion can open you up to:

Temperature-sensitive teeth Discoloration More cavities Changes in fillings Tooth loss or abscesses (pus-filled pockets, in extreme cases)

Eroded teeth are more likely to need fillings, crowns, or root canals. 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.

They may kill germs, freshen breath, remove plaque, and lower your risk of gum disease, although more evidence is needed.

Charcoal is abrasive and may erode your enamel. Dentists generally don’t approve of these products.

A Word From Verywell

Before you use any non-ADA-approved methods of whitening your teeth or improving your oral health, talk to your dentist. 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 can’t be replaced. Many whitening products are available that won’t permanently harm your teeth.