Over the last couple of years activated charcoal has been popping up everywhere in skincare and healthcare, all over the World. It’s taken the beauty industry by storm and has become one of the most popular products to be advertised through influencers online.
But this comes with a lot of stigma, as to whether these so called ‘beauty gurus’ know what they're talking about when it comes to the products their promoting.
Charcoal being used in skincare products and toothpastes, isn’t a new concept. The use of the active ingredient actually dates back to 3750 BC. Egyptians were the first to include charcoal in medical treatments and the rest is history! We now use ‘activated’ charcoal, which is the method of oxidising the element, in loads of ways; from sterilising hospital equipment, to purifying water.
So why do we use activated charcoal in toothpastes?
Well, when the charcoal becomes oxidised it creates a porous surface and gives it adhesive - like properties. This means that when it comes into contact with another surface, everything will stick to it. As a toothpaste, this makes for a perfect stain removal product, removing discolouration, yellowness, tar, and plaque build up! How amazing is that?
The great thing about this type of toothpaste is that it’s made from all natural ingredients; which is less harmful to your teeth and gums in the long run. It makes it easier to produce and doesn’t require lots of chemicals and other nasties. Simple and pure.
How long will it take to whiten my teeth with activated charcoal?
Use your activated charcoal toothpaste just like any other. Apply a small amount to your toothbrush and brush your teeth for 2-3 minutes. Try not to be too harsh or too vigorous when brushing, as this could potentially irritate your gums. Once you’ve thoroughly coated your entire set of gnashers with the product and brushed until the time is up. You can spit. Gently rinse away any leftover product and admire your fresh clean teeth.
Make sure that you seal the glass jar tightly and use the bamboo spatula to scoop and apply the toothpaste so not to create a buildup of water and bacteria in the jar.
You should be able to see results instantly, from the first brush. Depending on how stained your teeth are from various food sources; (you know the usual culprits - things like red wine and coffee), your teeth will become noticeably brighter, whiter and healthier from consistent brushing over a period of 2-4 weeks.
Is activated charcoal toothpaste safe for kids to use?
This is a question we get asked a lot here at Georganics. The answer differs for each scenario we answer.
Generally speaking, yes it’s safe. However this is very dependant on the age of the child and how often you are planning to use activated charcoal in their brushing routine.
Children under the age of 3 years shouldn’t be using activated charcoal toothpaste, as there is simply no need. Their teeth are only a few years old and still growing, their little pearly whites, are indeed still very white at this age.
Children upwards of 3 to the age of around 8, when their milk teeth have come through but start to lose them. It’s safe to use. As children of this age, although they should still be supervised when brushing, understand not to swallow toothpaste and how to effectively brush their teeth without injury.
However we’d recommend using activated charcoal in small quantities a few times a week in addition to normal toothpastes for your children. Discover our toothpaste special kids: the Strawberry Toothpaste.