Best Charcoal Toothbrush 2024

These are my recommendations for the best charcoal toothbrush 2024.

With the introduction of charcoal toothbrushes into the market, many of my patients have been asking if they offer a better cleaning experience compared to traditional toothbrushes.

Charcoal toothbrushes are often promoted for their benefits such as whitening teeth and combating odour, and contain bristles infused with activated charcoal.

Before succumbing to the latest trends in dental hygiene, it’s vital to understand both the advantages and limitations of charcoal toothbrushes. I bought the best offerings on the market to try out myself to analyse how effective they really are. I then tested them using plaque disclosing tablet to give them a plaque removal score out of 10.

I also took into account the need for gentle cleaning, potential sensitivity issues, and the environmental impact of toothbrush materials to find the best.

What is activated charcoal?

Charcoal toothbrushes claim to add an extra level of cleaning through the property of activated charcoal, it’s important to analyse their effectiveness through evidence-backed studies.

Activated Charcoal is a naturally occurring substance is renowned for its ability to absorb toxins and pollutants.

It is known for its porous structure, which enables it to absorb toxins and stains on the teeth’s surface. When used in toothbrush bristles, activated charcoal theoretically binds to surface stains and plaque, aiming to provide a deeper clean and whiter teeth. 

Do charcoal toothbrushes clean your teeth better?

The actual effectiveness of this mechanism is subject to scientific scrutiny, and not all claims are backed by robust evidence. Nevertheless, the popularity of charcoal toothbrushes continues, driven by their perceived natural whitening capabilities.

I would say the jury is still out on this, but they do look stylish and won’t harm your teeth when used as directed, so why not give them a try.

NOTE: Although this article is about charcoal toothbrushes, I have to mention charcoal toothpaste which has also gained popularity over the last few years. I do not recommend using charcoal toothpaste. Although it is said to remove stains better than traditional toothpaste, it is too abrasive, and will in time rub away the whiter surface enamel of teeth. This will have the opposite effect of what patients are looking for. Any whiteness is usually just perceived as a consequence of the contrast between the colour of the teeth and the colour of the toothpaste.

Overall Top Picks

Best Overall Charcoal Toothbrush – Colgate 360 Charcoal Infused Bristles Medium Toothbrush

Best Sustainable Charcoal Toothbrush – f.e.t.e | Cha-Cha-Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrush 

Best Value for Money Charcoal toothbrush – Ecohaven Vegan Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrush

Best Charcoal Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth – Wimolek Extra Soft Toothbrush for Sensitive Gums and Teeth

Best Overall Charcoal Toothbrush

Colgate 360 Charcoal Infused Bristles Medium Toothbrush

Why our dentists recommend this brush:

Colgate is a tried and trusted brand, and this is their take on a charcoal toothbrush. The head design is ideally shaped to get around the arch of you teeth and the differing size of bristles will help to clean your teeth effectively.

If your tongue becomes coated or you suffer from bad breath, it has the added benefit of a tongue cleaner which can be used to gently clean your tongue after brushing.

It has solid build quality and an ergonomic handle which is a pleasure to use. Cleans away plaque better than the competition, and when used gently will not cause sensitivity.

Pros: Solid brush

Cons: Medium Bristles so you have to be careful not to brush too hard.

Best Sustainable Charcoal Toothbrush

f.e.t.e | Cha-Cha-Charcoal Bamboo Toothbrush 

Why our dentists recommend this brush:

This fun brand has created a range of sustainable and stylish toothbrushes. Available in 20 different colours and styles, you’ll definitely find one that matches your washrag or bathroom. They have excellent build quality, and add a little fun to your brushing routine.

The charcoal offering has the infused bristles in a formation designed to get into the gums and nooks and crannies between teeth. The brand name f.e.t.e. stands for from earth to earth, hence they’re fully recyclable and materials are sustainably sourced.

Pros: Sustainable, Stylish and recyclable. Lots of colours and designs available.

Cons: The handles aren’t particularly ergonomic. Bristles are medium not soft.

Best Value Charcoal Toothbrush

Ecohaven Charcoal Bamboo

Why our dentists recommend this brush:

It’s recommended that you change your toothbrush every 3 months, so this four pack for under a tenner will keep you going all year around, making sure you have a clean new toothbrush at hand when needed.

It’s BPA and plastic-free, so good for the environment. Comes with a choice of soft or medium charcoal-infused bristles depending on preference. I would always recommend a soft-bristled head which is gentler on gums and enamel.

Pros: Great Value

Cons: Simple handle design

Best Charcoal Toothbrush for Sensitive Teeth

Wimolek Extra Soft Toothbrush for Sensitive Gums and Teeth

Why our dentists recommend this brush:

When I came across these Wimolek toothbrushes I had to give them a try. They feel so soft on your gums and teeth, gently removing the plaque with our causing gum recession. They almost feel like they’re polishing your teeth.

It’s an ultra dense toothbrush head, with over 20,000 soft charcoal bristles.

Its design and feel makes it a good choice for kids and adults with autism, ADHD and SPD. It also works well for pregnancy gingivitis, when hormones make your gums prone to bleeding.

Pros: Ultra soft for sensitive gums.

Cons: Feel of head on teeth not for everyone.

Buying guide: How to choose a good charcoal toothbrush

When considering buying a charcoal toothbrush, it’s important to keep several factors in mind to ensure that you make the best choice for your oral hygiene needs. Here are some key factors to consider:

Bristle Softness: Charcoal toothbrushes come with different bristle softness options, including soft, medium, and hard. Consider your dental needs and sensitivity when choosing the right bristle softness for you. I would always err on the softer side to protect enamel and gums from being damaged.

Bristle Material: Look for toothbrushes with high-quality bristles that are gentle on the gums and effective at removing plaque and debris from the teeth. Charcoal infused bristles are said to be more hygienic and pick up more stains from the tooth surface.

Handle Design: The handle design should be comfortable to hold and provide a good grip for effective brushing. Consider the shape and material of the handle to ensure it meets your preferences.

Brand Reputation: Research the reputation of the brand offering the charcoal toothbrush. Look for well-established and reputable brands known for their quality oral care products.

Price: Compare the prices of different charcoal toothbrushes and consider the value for money in terms of quality, features, and benefits.

Additional Features: Some charcoal toothbrushes come with additional features such as tongue scrapers, gum massagers, or built-in whitening agents. Consider if these features are important to you.

Dental Health Considerations

In discussing the impact on oral health, long-term effects are an important consideration

Gum disease

Charcoal toothbrushes are sometimes claimed to offer better prevention against gum disease due to their purported detoxifying effects. Yet, my scrutiny of current research shows that maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential, regardless of the type of toothbrush (1). Both charcoal and regular toothbrushes, when used correctly, support oral health by reducing the risk of gum disease and maintaining dental hygiene.

Whitening teeth

The ability to remove surface stains and whiten teeth is a common marketing point for charcoal toothbrushes. The charcoal is believed to absorb stains from the teeth. However, I must emphasise that while some users report a difference in the appearance of their teeth, there is limited scientific backing for the superior whitening capability of charcoal toothbrushes over regular ones. Both types can reduce stains, with the key factor being the consistency and quality of brushing.

Abrasiveness

Brushing too hard, or using a brush with tough bristles can have the opposite effect patients are looking for. The surface enamel in whiter that the underlying dentine, so even though brushing away stains in important, you want to make sure you’re not brushing away the enamel too. It’s vital to use a fluoride toothpaste with a low RDA value to keep your teeth looking good, and preventing sensitivity. My article on Best Fluoride Toothpaste goes into this in more detail.

Composition

Charcoal toothbrushes often have bristles that are infused with activated charcoal derived from materials such as coconut shells, bamboo, or wood. The bristles themselves can be made from various materials including nylon, although sometimes they are combined with more natural elements. These toothbrushes come in both manual and electric varieties, catering to different preferences.

Materials used:

Bristles: Nylon, Bamboo Fibre

Activated charcoal source: Coconut Shells, Bamboo, Wood

Handle: Plastic, Bamboo (Eco-friendlier option)

Sustainability

I’ve noted a growing trend for bamboo charcoal toothbrushes, which are seen as a more eco-friendly option because the handle is also biodegradable. Considering the environmental impact, charcoal toothbrushes often come with bamboo handles, which offer a biodegradable alternative to plastic handles. However, the bristles are typically still plastic, albeit infused with charcoal. Users should be aware that while the handle might have a lesser environmental impact, the bristles do not offer a significant environmental advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using a charcoal toothbrush?

A charcoal toothbrush is touted for its ability to absorb toxins and help remove surface stains on the teeth. Its bristles, infused with activated charcoal, purport to offer enhanced whitening effects compared to regular toothbrushes.

How does a charcoal toothbrush differ from a traditional one?

The main difference between a charcoal toothbrush and a traditional one lies in the bristles. Charcoal toothbrushes have bristles infused with activated charcoal, which are believed to assist in whitening and detoxifying, unlike regular nylon or plastic bristles.

What are the dental health implications of using a charcoal toothbrush daily?

Daily use of a charcoal toothbrush may provide a whitening effect, but evidence supporting broader dental health benefits is limited. Always use it with a gentle technique to avoid potential abrasiveness to the enamel or gums.

Do dental professionals recommend the use of charcoal toothbrushes?

Dental professionals are cautious about the use of charcoal toothbrushes due to a lack of substantial scientific evidence backing their benefits over regular toothbrushes. They emphasise that any toothbrush should be used properly to maintain oral health.

How should one properly use a charcoal toothbrush with toothpaste?

To properly use a charcoal toothbrush with toothpaste, I suggest applying a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the bristles and brushing gently in a circular motion for two minutes, reaching all surfaces of the teeth and gums.

Which type of toothbrush is considered the healthiest for regular use?

No single type of toothbrush is universally deemed the healthiest. I recommend choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles and using it correctly, whether it’s a charcoal or a normal toothbrush, to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Final thoughts and rankings

How well you brush, the time you take, and being gentle with whichever brush you use is the most important in keeping you teeth and gums healthy.

If you do go for a charcoal infused brush the Colgate 360 Charcoal Toothbrush is great all rounder, with the added benefits of a ergonomic handle, robust bristles and tongue scraper.

It’s important to get your teeth and gums checked at least once a year, and for a professional opinion on how bet to look after your oral health find a dentist today.