9 of the Best Charcoal Toothpastes with Fluoride in 2022
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- Best remineralizing charcoal toothpaste: Crest 3D White Whitening Therapy
- Best vegan formula: Colgate Revitalizing White Whitening Toothpaste with Activated Charcoal
- Best gentle formula: Curaprox Black Is White Toothpaste
- Best all-natural charcoal toothpaste: hello Activated Charcoal Epic Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
- Best for cavity protection: Tom’s of Maine Activated Charcoal Anticavity Toothpaste
- Best for naturally derived ingredients: Native Charcoal Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste
- Best It is cruelty-free. toothpaste: Burt’s Bees Charcoal + Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
- Best charcoal toothpaste with baking soda: Arm & Hammer Charcoal White
- Best for sensitive teeth: Burst Charcoal
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.
Whitening toothpaste with activated charcoal may help remove stains from your teeth. Charcoal is able to absorb stains and is abrasive.
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.
The surface area of activated charcoal is very large. It can attract and absorb toxins. It is used internally to treat accidental poisoning and drug overdoses.
The removal of odors and color contamination are some of the uses for activated charcoal. The idea is that activated charcoal toothpaste can remove 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.
To find the best charcoal toothpastes, we considered product safety and effectiveness.
We only chose toothpastes that are trusted by users and that have good reviews.
“We didn’t include toothpastes that were linked to tooth damage or discomfort in multiple reviews because we chose to include those containing florentine and other beneficial ingredients.”
Pricing guide
Some of the toothpastes are sold in two- or three-packs. Others are sold as singles. We have indicated price.
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
Best remineralizing charcoal toothpaste
Crest 3D White Whitening Therapy
- Price: $$ (three-pack)
- Flavors available: mint
- Sizes available: varies by seller; one-pack, three-pack
The toothpaste has a mint-flavor and black and white stripes.
It gets its power from a mild abrasive that removes stains from teeth.
Tartar can be prevented by the presence of Disodium pyrophosphate.
“It It rinses cleanly. so you won’t have a dirty sink after brushing.”
Pros
- It rinses cleanly.
- “It’s fun to brush.”
- It contains beneficial ingredients.
Cons
- It takes around 4 weeks before you see any results.
- You may have to brush longer to get the most results.
- It may be harsh for sensitive teeth.
Best vegan formula
Colgate Revitalizing White Whitening Toothpaste with Activated Charcoal
- Price: $ (two-pack)
- Flavors available: mint
- Sizes available: varies by seller; one-pack, two-pack, three-pack
The toothpaste has fluoride for protecting teeth.
Users say the toothpaste is clean because it is pale gray and has activated charcoal.
bone is one of the sources of activated charcoal. Colgate has a vegan formula. It is also free of both sugars and wheat.
Pros
- The vegan formula is free of sugar and other harmful substances.
- fluoride is used for protection of the teeth.
- It dissolved cleanly without leaving a strong feel.
Cons
- Some users find the taste bitter.
- Users find the texture too thick.
Best gentle formula
Curaprox Black Is White Toothpaste
- Price: $$$ (one-pack)
- Flavors available: lemon
- Sizes available: one-pack
The toothpaste is made in Switzerland. The ingredient activated carbon is referred to as activated charcoal on the packaging.
This toothpaste may be more gentle on teeth than other brands.
A
Pros
- It is gentle on sensitive gums and tooth enamel.
- There are ingredients that fight the cavity.
Cons
- It is more expensive than comparable products.
- It takes around 6 weeks before you see the results.
Best for freshening breath
hello Activated Charcoal Epic Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
- Price: $ (one-pack)
- Flavors available: mint
- Sizes available: one-pack
spearmint, peppermint, and fresh mint are used in this toothpaste. It reduces plaque build up.
Coconut oil is also an ingredient.
There are activated charcoal toothpastes with and without fluoride, which are almost identical in packaging on some consumer sites. We chose the version that has sodium monofluorophosphate.
Double-checking the ingredients list and packaging will ensure you get the type you want.
Pros
- No artificial flavors or sweeteners.
- triclosan-free.
- It has a great taste, which may help you brush longer.
Cons
- “It’s important to get the formula you want, either with or without fluoride.”
Best for cavity protection
Tom’s of Maine Activated Charcoal Anticavity Toothpaste
- Price: $$ (three-pack)
- Flavors available: peppermint, spearmint, clean mint
- Sizes available: varies by seller, one-pack, three-pack, 12-pack
The manufacturer says that this toothpaste is safe for daily use.
“It contains a substance for protection from decay, and a substance for flavor. The flavor is subtle, according to some users. Others don’t like the taste.”
“This toothpaste is not tested on animals and is the same as all Tom’s of Maine products.”
Pros
- There is no artificial colors, flavors orPreservatives.
- vegan formula isIt is cruelty-free.
- Fights with fluoride.
Cons
- “Some users don’t like the taste.”
Best for naturally derived ingredients
Native Charcoal Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste
- Price: $ (one-pack)
- Flavors available: combination of mint, clove, and cinnamon
- Sizes available: one-pack
This toothpaste contains natural sources of charcoal, sodium fluoride, and mineral-derived silica.
It has a strong and long- lasting taste.
Carrageenan is a seaweed extract and it is used as a thickener. Many users like the foamier texture of it.
It is free of harmful substances and animals.
Pros
- Natural ingredients are derived from plants and minerals.
- Not tested on animals.
- It is available with or without fluoride.
Cons
- Some people may not like the taste.
Best It is cruelty-free. toothpaste
Burt’s Bees Charcoal + Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste
- Price: $ (one-pack)
- Flavors available: mountain mint
- Sizes available: varies by seller, one-pack, three-pack
This toothpaste is It is available with or without fluoride.. It uses responsibly sourced charcoal derived from bamboo or coconut shells. Naturally derived hydrated silica gently removes surface stains.
It is free of chemicals like triclosan and plastic microbeads. The packaging and tube are made from recycled materials.
Pros
- chemical free.
- It is cruelty-free.
- fluoride is used for protection of the tooth.
Cons
- Some customers are upset that this formula is different from the one they had been using.
Best charcoal toothpaste with baking soda
Arm & Hammer Charcoal White
- Price: $ (one-pack)
- Flavors available: peppermint
- Sizes available: varies by seller; one-pack, two-pack
This low abrasion, whitening toothpaste is the European version of this product. The U.S. version is fluoride-free.
It is gentle for daily use. Baking soda is used to clean teeth. Calcium helps keep the tooth strong. This toothpaste is good for breath clearing.
“It has a dark gray color. Users caution that it may stain your toothbrush if you don’t rinse it thoroughly.”
Pros
- “It’s good to use as a breath freshener.”
- The manufacturer says it can whiten teeth in 3 days.
- It contains fluoride to fight the decay.
Cons
- It is possible that toothbrush may stain.
Best for sensitive teeth
Burst Charcoal
- Price: $$ (two-pack)
- Flavors available: mint
- Sizes available: varies by seller; one-pack, two-pack
The toothpaste is nonirritating. It contains coconut salt, which may help reduce the growth of harmful organisms on teeth and gums.
Users say it is very gentle on sensitive teeth.
It has a pleasant taste. It is difficult to get out of the tube.
Pros
- It is gentle on sensitive teeth and gums.
- fluoride is used for protection of the teeth.
- It may help reduce the number ofbacteria in the mouth.
- “It doesn’t contain artificial colors or parabens.”
Cons
- Very thick formula.
- Some users may find the taste too bland.
| Name | Price | Flavors | Sizes available | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crest 3D White Whitening Therapy | $$ (three-pack) | mint | varies by seller | contains ingredients that prevent staining and tartar buildup and can strengthen enamel |
| Colgate Revitalizing White Whitening Toothpaste with Activated Charcoal | $ (two-pack) | mint | varies by seller | vegan formula; sugar-free; gluten-free |
| Curaprox Black Is White Toothpaste | $$$ (one-pack) | lemon | varies by seller | gentle on enamel and sensitive gums |
| hello Activated Charcoal Epic Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste | $ (one-pack) | mint | one pack | vegan; no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners |
| Tom’s of Maine Activated Charcoal Anticavity Toothpaste | $$ (three-pack) | peppermint; spearmint; clean mint | varies by seller | no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives; It is cruelty-free.; vegan |
| Native Charcoal Fluoride Anticavity Toothpaste | $ (one-pack) | combination of mint, clove, and cinnamon | one pack | plant-derived ingredients; It is cruelty-free. |
| Burt’s Bees Charcoal + Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste | $ (one-pack) | mountain min | varies by seller | chemical-free; It is cruelty-free. |
| Arm & Hammer Charcoal White | $ (one-pack) | peppermint | varies by seller | good as breath freshener; gentle for daily use |
| Burst Charcoal | $$ (two-pack) | mint | varies by seller | gentle on teeth and gums; coconut oil may help reduce bacteria in mouth; no parabens, triclosan, or artificial colors |
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 don’t use charcoal as an active ingredient. This may provide you with a novelty factor by using a colored toothpaste.”
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.
“You can try activated charcoal toothpaste tablets. You chew and the paste turns into a paste. Users find them less messy than powders. The pills don’t contain fluoride. They may contain coconut oil.”
You may want to use regular toothpaste but add a charcoal mouthwash to your routine. We like hello Activated Charcoal Extra Freshening Mouthwash. It’s $5.99, alcohol-free, vegan, It is cruelty-free., and contains no artificial sweeteners.
What is relative dentin abrasivity (RDA), and why is it important for charcoal toothpastes?
The abrasiveness value of toothpaste is an indicator of the RDA. This measurement is important since many activated charcoal toothpastes can be too abrasive for daily use.
The American Dental Association recommends only using toothpaste with an RDA of 250 or less.
Can children use activated charcoal toothpaste?
“Some manufacturers say their toothpaste is safe for children up to 6 years old. Talk to your child’s dentist before using charcoal toothpaste. You may want to avoid toothpastes without fluoride.”
Can I use fluoride every day?
“Yes. Adults and children can use floride toothpaste on a daily basis. If your water supply doesn’t contain fluoride, this is important.”
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 a day. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to be sure.”
Activated charcoal has a myriad of uses, including freshening breath.
The charcoal trend is being capitalized on by many toothpaste brands. These toothpastes may not contain charcoal, but they do use traditional ingredients to whiten teeth and protect against decay.
