Activated Charcoal for Teeth Whitening

Activated charcoal is a unique form of charcoal that has been first carbonized, then oxidized at very high temperatures to give it incredibly porous properties.

Food grade charcoal powder, sometimes called USP grade, like this one made from organic coconut shells, is a deep black powder with very fine particles. It is odorless and relatively tasteless and should have less than 4% ash residue.

Using Charcoal to Whiten Teeth

Activated charcoal is also gaining popularity as a teeth whitener.

It’s highly porous structure can draw out stains directly from tooth enamel that come from coffee, red wine, curries and other teeth yellowing foods and drinks.

For natural teeth whitening, simply wet your toothbrush, press a small amount of the powder into the bristles and scrub it into your teeth regularly. If you have carbon capsules you can cut one open to use half the powder per brushing.

There’s no need to rise immediately afterwards and the longer you can leave the charcoal on your teeth the more effective it will be at drawing out stains from the enamel. This process should be done separately to regular brushing with toothpaste.

The best time is probably after you brush your teeth in the morning or evening so they are already clean and the carbon can contact the tooth surface more directly.

Most people find their teeth getting noticeably whiter after a couple of weeks of regular, preferably daily, brushing with activated charcoal.

Be aware though that, while it helps to brighten your pearly whites, the black powder will likely stain the bottom of your toothbrush. It’s suggested to keep a second toothbrush just for charcoal teeth whitening.