Charcoal is made by slow-burning natural materials, such as wood, peat, or coconut shells. Activated charcoal is created for medical purposes by heating regular charcoal in the presence of a gas, causing it to become more porous. This is why, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, activated charcoal can effectively absorb and trap harmful chemicals, making it part of the standard treatment for accidental poisonings.

In addition, some claim activated charcoal can alleviate gas (flatulence) and lower cholesterol levels. However, there is insufficient evidence for rates of effectiveness in these cases. But what about charcoal toothpaste? Does charcoal teeth whitening work?

Using charcoal as a teeth-cleaning method is nothing new. In fact, the ancient Romans brushed with everything from charcoal to tree bark. The black powder can even be found in a toothpaste recipe in a 19th century English homemaker's guide!

The last decade has seen a reemergence of charcoal-based kinds of toothpaste with claims of whitening, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and breath freshening properties, according to an article published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA). But does charcoal toothpaste work?

here may be many charcoal toothpastes available in the market today, but if you're prone to tooth decay, be aware that not all of these kinds of toothpaste will contain fluoride. Since most dentists want their patients to use fluoride in some form, your dentist may recommend a fluoride rinse that helps strengthen your enamel as an adjunct to your charcoal toothpaste.

When you think of putting black toothpaste on your toothbrush, don't worry about the taste: you aren't brushing with chunks from your barbecue grill. It may be black, but the charcoal incorporated into the paste has a soft consistency similar to that of baking soda. Many charcoal toothpastes also contain flavouring agents, just like any other whitening toothpaste.

So, is charcoal toothpaste a fad, or is it here to stay? It certainly looks like it’s here to stay and will be found in more products that form part of our daily lives. Considering that it's been in play since Roman times, it's unlikely to disappear from the shelves completely anytime soon. While research on its properties is still emerging, many people find that charcoal toothpaste is worth a try.

The Colgate Charcoal Gentle Clean formula with an uplifting mint flavour combines Colgate’s Oral Care science with expertly extracted charcoal and mint for a fresh & clean mouth, leaving you with strong teeth and healthy gums.

For effective whitening and visibly whiter teeth, choose Colgate Natural Extracts Charcoal. Its expert formula is designed for everyday mouth protection**. 100% Natural Activated Charcoal, specially activated at high temperatures to become a fine porous black powder, is known for its purifying properties. These carefully selected minerals help to remove surface stains for a visibly whiter smile thanks to the power of nature.

**Helps to protect from cavities