As someone who is always excited to try a new natural remedy or routine, I was excited when I started hearing about using activated charcoal to brush teeth with. I had been doing oil pulling and was happy with the results of that, so I am all for throwing another thing into my dental routine. I had first seen this on Pinterest, unfortunately I can’t remember exactly what website I was led to, but it got me thinking. Should I be giving this a shot?
The problem with many whitening toothpastes out there is the fact that you end up with something that can potentially make your teeth more sensitive if they are already like mine. I always worry about that since it can be quite painful to have sensitive teeth.
Let’s look at what I have discovered while trying out activated charcoal on my teeth.
Brushing Teeth with Activated Charcoal
What is Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal is completely different from the kind you use in your BBQ in the summer. It is charcoal that is processed and pressed with oxygen and zinc. It is the same stuff hospitals give to people for overdoses and poisoning (yes, for “stomach pumping”). It is safe to take. The reason it works is it binds to toxins and your body and on your teeth and removes them.
How to use Activated Charcoal to Whiten Teeth
This was a trial and error sort of thing for me. I will make one warning so maybe you can avoid it if you are going to give this a try: it’s messy. There’s no way really around it. It will get everywhere. However, I did find some ways after doing it several times to lessen the amount of mess. Here’s my tips:
1. Open the capsules into something like a wide rimmed glass or bowl. They can be hard to open and if you don’t try to contain the mess, you will end up with it spread everywhere and possibly flying up in the air.
2. Wet your brush before applying the charcoal. It will help it stick better.
3. When you spit, do it under running water.
4. Use a different toothbrush than the one you used for brushing with the charcoal for your regular brushing. It is very hard to get completely off your brush.
My thoughts on the process:
I had visibly whiter teeth after just one brushing session. I am excited to see how much brighter they get over time.
The charcoal does not taste like anything, so if you are worried it will taste like a campfire in your mouth, never fear. There was also no grittiness as I expected there to be.
You will want to brush your teeth as you normally would after to completely remove the charcoal from your teeth and gums.
Activated Charcoal* is pretty cheap online. I found it for less than $5 with shipping. When I tried to buy it locally, I was looking at twice that amount.
This is my results after the 1st time. I see a difference here. I hope they continue to get whiter!
From looking online, this can cause some sensitivity in some people’s teeth. You should NOT do this as a daily thing for a long period of time. It is only for a “boost” in whitening for short periods of time just as with other whitening products as it isn’t nessisary to do for maintenance.
Do you brush your teeth with activated charcoal? I would love to hear your thoughts!
*This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for making purchases through these links as it helps support what I do on my blog!
**This post is for informational purposes only and should not replace talking with your doctor or dentist. This information is not meant to treat, cure or diagnose any condition. Please seek a professional opinion before starting any home remedy mentioned on this blog.
Did you speak with your dentist before doing this? I worry that it could be harmful to the enamel on your teeth. And enamel is something the body does not reproduce, once it’s gone…it’s gone. Just as an FYI for your benefit, as well as your readers, I would highly suggest you speak to a dentist immediately to confirm that it is safe. : )
I did and that is why in my post I recommend that people don’t do it often and only do it under the direction of their dentist. 🙂
I was talking to my dental hygienist this morning during my teeth cleaning about whitening at home. They have these super expensive kits for sale up front. I think this is a really creative way to achieve the same results without breaking the bank.
How long do you leave the charcoal on your teeth?
Hey B, You don’t leave it on, you just brush as you normally would with tooth paste and spit it out after a rinse. Hope that helps! Thanks for stopping by.
i feel pretty gross if i brush w that . Is it paste weird?
Rosy, It honestly tastes like nothing and it’s so fine you don’t feel much in your mouth.
Thanks for sharing! II want to give this a try now!
How many capsules did you break into the bowl to brush with?
These go pretty far, so I am able to use one, but you really could get away with 1/2 per time as well.
Interesting! I’m a dentist in UK and had a couple of patients ask me about charcoal brushing. Thought I’d do some research before forming an opinion and found your blog post.
Very interesting article. Well, there are some over-the-counter toothpastes available whose key ingredient is activated charcoal.
The results are marvelous as seen through pictures posted here. Although, I am a bit reluctant on applying the charcoal on my teeth. But, anyways I will try this someday.
Good read. 🙂
I have been highly interested in the use of charcoal as a tooth whitener ever since I heard of it. My neighbor swears by it. It’s good to know that this activated charcoal is safe to take and that it binds to toxins to remove them. I think I will definitely give this a try. Thanks!
Wow, I have to try this! I love anything teeth whitening or cleaning and I think this is such a great product. Thanks so much for doing a review and showing pictures, it just makes me want to go out and get this now!
I have braces on, is it ok to use charcoal?
Hi Edith, I have never worn braces, so I would check with your orthodontist to see what he/she says first.
Thanks for sharing Christine! Really interesting read! I had heard about people using charcoal toothpastes and stuff before to get whiter teeth but never looked into it more! Really well written and a get great read!
[…] your teeth- I did a post on my experiences using activated charcoal to whiten my teeth a while back and it had a lot of good responses. I still do this occasionally, and amazingly it […]
Really hard to find. Am going to walgreens and Walmart tomorrow to try and find it. May end up buying over Internet. Really ready to try this. Unbelievable it it works.
Yes, activated charcoal can be hard to find. I find it locally in health food stores often or just buy online.
[…] for whole body care. I discovered activated charcoal a couple of years ago and started using it to whiten my teeth. Now, I have used it in several DIY recipes for my skin and always have some on hand. I love […]
I haven’t heard this method before! Thanks for providing these tips, especially on how to contain the mess charcoal makes. For a short-term solution, it really made a difference.
I brushed my teeth with charcoal and it really was messy. But in the end I got the result I was hoping for. So I’d say that it was worth it.