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Many charcoal toothpastes promise whiter teeth, surface stain, and plaque removal. But are these promises real? How well does it really work? And more importantly, is it actually safe to use every day?
If you’re trying to whiten your teeth without causing long-term damage, this guide breaks down what charcoal toothpaste actually does, the pros and cons, and some of the top brands in Nigeria that people swear by.
What is Charcoal?
Charcoal, particularly activated charcoal is a fine, black powder made by heating carbon-rich materials like coconut shells, bamboo, or wood without oxygen. It’s become a popular ingredient in wellness and skincare products because of its ability to absorb toxins and impurities.
This ingredient is used in everything from toothpaste to face masks.
What is Charcoal Toothpaste?
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Charcoal toothpastes contain activated charcoal that traps and removes stains, bacteria and other impurities from the teeth.
Some users praise its effectiveness, while others complain about how gritty the toothpaste is and how it wears down the enamel. Imagine rubbing your teeth with sandpaper. It eventually injures your gums and other surface areas.
So, where’s the middle ground? Below are some charcoal toothpaste brands in Nigeria that users say are both effective and safe + where to buy them.
1. Xoc Cleansing Charcoal Toothpaste
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Xoc Cleansing Charcoal Toothpaste is my favourite brand because of its pleasant taste and feel. It contains active and vital ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium benzoate, which boast antibacterial, plaque-removal, and teeth-whitening properties.
Users love Xoc Cleansing Charcoal Toothpaste because of its deep cleansing properties and great taste. Price: ₦3,000. Where to Buy: Shop Cocci Beauty.
2. Colgate Charcoal Gentle Clean Toothpaste
Colgate Charcoal Gentle Clean Toothpaste is your best bet if you need fresher breath and whiter teeth. It contains ingredients like sodium fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, and charcoal powder that fights bacteria.
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Users reviewed this toothpaste as a safe option for deep cleansing the teeth without damaging the enamel. It is ideal for anyone who drinks wine, coffee, or other teeth-staining drinks. The cooling mint flavour leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
Price: ₦3,637. Where to Buy: Shop Health Plus.
3. Pureal Charcoal Toothpaste
Pureal Activated Charcoal Toothpaste is crafted with all-natural ingredients, focusing on gentle yet effective teeth whitening. The activated charcoal gently polishes the teeth, removing surface stains without causing harm to the enamel.
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Made with more natural ingredients, this one focuses on whitening while keeping your breath fresh. It’s also the most budget-friendly on the list. Price: ₦950. Where to Buy: Shop Shop on Click.
4. Coldent Cleansing Charcoal Toothpaste
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Coldent Cleansing Charcoal Toothpaste uses activated charcoal to remove toxins and stains from teeth. It harnesses the power of activated charcoal to effectively remove stains and toxins from teeth, promoting a whiter and brighter smile. Its deep cleansing action helps fight plaque buildup and freshens breath, leaving the mouth feeling clean. Price: ₦4,182. Where to Buy: Shop Health Plus.
How Safe is Charcoal Toothpaste?
Studies have shown that toothpastes formulated with activated charcoal have a lower whitening effect than other alternatives. While it works for some, it might be unsafe to use daily due to its high abrasive potential.
Related Article: The Best Whitening Toothpastes, According to Dentists.
Benefits of Charcoal Toothpaste
Many people are switching to charcoal toothpaste because it contains effective natural ingredients. Charcoal toothpaste contains a natural ingredient that aligns with users' growing desire for chemical-free and eco-friendly dental care alternatives.
Activated charcoal's sponge-like form acts like a magnet, drawing out impurities and stains. This makes it a best-fit coffee and wine drinker. It is a quick fix for removing food remnants and drink stains. Besides whitening the teeth, activated charcoal is known to help with mouth odour by absorbing odour-causing bacteria.
Charcoal Toothpaste Drawbacks
Despite its appealing benefits, charcoal toothpaste is not perfect. Before including it in your daily routine, you should know the downsides. Charcoal toothpaste is not safe for sensitive teeth because it is abrasive. Frequent use can make teeth overly sensitive to hot and cold substances.
Reviews show that while it may provide a quick teeth-whitening solution, it causes the teeth to appear more yellow over time. Some charcoal toothpastes do not contain fluoride, a crucial ingredient in toothpaste. This can cause the teeth and gums to weaken over time.
How to Choose the Right Charcoal Toothpaste for You
Not all charcoal toothpastes are made equal, and not all teeth are alike. Here are practical tips on how to choose what works best for you.
Check for fluoride. A dental surgeon recently took to social media to advise Nigerians to avoid toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride. Fluoride is a core ingredient that strengthens tooth enamel and protects it against cavities and decay. It is what keeps teeth strong and healthy.
Read user reviews on local and foreign platforms like Jumia and Amazon to gain insights into the product's performance and reliability.
Consider your teeth's sensitivity or dental issues. You can either avoid charcoal toothpaste or use it only a few times weekly.
Consult your dentist. Beyond trends, you should understand that what works for others may not be ideal for you.
Ensure that every oral product you buy has the ADA seal of acceptance and contains fluoride and hydrogen peroxide.
You can achieve a brighter smile with options like Xoc Cleansing Charcoal Toothpaste, Pureal Charcoal Toothpaste, etc. But remember that charcoal toothpaste is not a one-size-fits-all. It is best to pair your charcoal toothpaste with a regular fluoride toothpaste.
Also, consult a dentist before including it in your routine if you have sensitive teeth.