Are Charcoal Toothbrushes Safe?

With the Zero Waste trend going on full swing, many advocates have pushed for alternatives to reduce trash. This also means avoiding disposable towels, utensils, and even toothbrushes to decrease their carbon footprint. One commercial substitute that has been recently introduced in the market are charcoal toothbrushes.

From general information about charcoal toothbrushes to how safe they are and how long they last, read this article to learn more.

What is a charcoal toothbrush?

A charcoal toothbrush is typically made of bristles infused with activated charcoal on a wooden (usually bamboo) handle. There are also fully biodegradable toothbrushes but some do have nylon bristles. If you are worried that you are about to rub actual coal in your teeth, do not worry—it is made of coal, coconut shells, olive pits, and other materials which are then reheated and activated once oxidized.

Is activated charcoal safe?

As of now, medical professionals are still divided on the issue. Some experts say that using finely ground and controlled amounts of activated charcoal in a specially formulated product is okay to use. However, replacing your toothpaste with activated charcoal or using it in the long-term might destroy the enamel in the teeth. Enamel do not have living cells and therefore cannot repair itself if the charcoal becomes too abrasive for the teeth.

How does activated charcoal work?

Since the charcoal is already built into the bristles, cleaning your teeth becomes more effective as the charcoal absorbs and binds bacteria together at a microscopic level. The same carbon-absorbing properties also remove plaque and tannins which stains the teeth.

Are biodegradable toothbrushes safe?

Since some charcoal toothbrushes are made of fully biodegradable materials, experts advise people to exercise caution using those made of natural bristles. Brushes that use pig or badger hair can be too hard and abrasive for gums, while natural bristles retain moisture and can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Charcoal toothbrushes might be popular today, but taking advantage of dental care trends to boost your oral health should always be consulted with a certified and professional dentist first. Doing so can provide you with an accurate answer you can count on.