9 of the Best Charcoal Toothpastes with Fluoride

Charcoal toothpaste is trending in dental care. If you want to try this trend for yourself, it’s important to choose a charcoal toothpaste that contains beneficial ingredients for dental health.
Activated charcoal in toothpaste may help remove surface stains on your teeth. Charcoal is mildly abrasive and is also able to absorb surface stains to some degree.
There’s no evidence, though, that it has any effect on stains below a tooth’s enamel (intrinsic stains), or that it has a natural whitening effect. While activated charcoal does have some proven benefits, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to include teeth whitening as one of them. Even so, some people enjoy using charcoal toothpastes, and find them beneficial.
Activated charcoal is also referred to as activated carbon. It is not the same as charcoal you use during barbecues. Charcoal becomes activated through a two-step process. First, it is exposed to high heat without oxygen, which creates a charred surface. Then, a chemical or physical process is used to create a porous consistency.
Activated charcoal has a highly porous, large surface area. It is able to attract and absorb certain toxins and organic substances. For that reason, it is used internally to treat some types of accidental poisoning and drug overdoses.
Other uses for activated charcoal include the removal of odors and color contamination. The thinking behind activated charcoal toothpaste is that it can absorb and remove surface stains from teeth.
How is activated charcoal with fluoride different?
Activated charcoal does not contain ingredients that fight cavities or remove plaque. It can’t protect teeth and gums from conditions like gingivitis. For that reason, some activated charcoal toothpastes also contain ingredients, such as fluoride, that are beneficial or oral health.
Coconut oil is also an ingredient. Research from 2017 shows that coconut oil can reduce plaque buildup on teeth. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is antimicrobial and may help prevent cavities.
There are hello activated charcoal toothpastes with and without fluoride, which have nearly identical or confusing packaging on some consumer sites. For this list, we chose the version that contains sodium monofluorophosphate, a type of fluoride.
When purchasing, double-check the packaging and ingredients list, so you get the type you prefer.
Pros
no artificial sweeteners or flavors
triclosan-free
users mention it has a great taste, which may help you brush longer
Cons
packaging can be confusing; make sure you get the formula you want, either with or without fluoride
It contains fluoride and is gentle enough for daily use. It uses baking soda to remove surface stains and clean teeth. Calcium helps keep tooth enamel strong. This toothpaste is also good for freshening breath.
It has a dark gray color that rinses well. However, users caution it may stain your toothbrush if you don’t rinse it thoroughly.
It’s important to use charcoal toothpaste correctly so as not to weaken teeth or become susceptible to tooth decay. Ways to do this include alternating charcoal toothpaste with traditional fluoride toothpaste or using charcoal toothpaste only for a brief period.
Many activated charcoal toothpastes contain very little charcoal and don’t use it in their formulas as an active ingredient. This may provide you with the novelty factor of using an unusually colored toothpaste while still offering other beneficial ingredients.
Activated charcoal tooth whitening powders are an alternative option. Some are made solely of charcoal. Others contain ingredients such as bentonite clay or sodium bicarbonate. Tooth whitening powders usually have no flavor. Some users find them messy to use.
There are also activated charcoal toothpaste tablets you can try. These turn into a paste while you chew. Some users find them less messy than powders. Charcoal pills typically don’t contain fluoride. They may contain coconut oil, silica, or other cleansing and foaming agents.
Can children use activated charcoal toothpaste?
Some manufacturers say their toothpaste is safe for children ages 2 and up, while others say 6 and up. Before using any charcoal toothpaste, talk with your child’s dentist. To avoid cavities, you may also wish to steer clear of charcoal toothpastes without fluoride.
Can I use fluoride every day?
Yes. Fluoride toothpaste is safe for adults and children to use on a daily basis. This is especially important if your water supply doesn’t contain fluoride.
Children under 3 should use a very small amount of toothpaste — the size of a grain of rice. When they reach 3 years old, children learn how to spit. Then it’s safe to introduce a pea-sized amount while they brush their teeth.
Can I use activated charcoal toothpaste while pregnant?
Activated charcoal toothpaste is considered safe to use during pregnancy. As with any toothpaste, swallowing isn’t recommended. Check with your doctor to make sure that activated toothpaste is a good choice for you during this time.
How often can I use activated charcoal toothpaste?
Most activated charcoal toothpastes can be used twice daily. Check and follow the manufacturer’s directions on your brand to be sure.
Many toothpaste brands are capitalizing on the charcoal trend. These toothpastes may contain very little charcoal and instead rely on traditional ingredients to whiten teeth and protect against cavities.
Last medically reviewed on July 19, 2022
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