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What is activated charcoal and does it actually work / why is it so popular in oral care?

August 17, 2020

Activated charcoal is heating up the beauty industry, and for good reason. From facial masks to toothpaste, this detox powerhouse has adsorbent properties – meaning it binds toxins and other elements to its porous surface to extract them. We take a look at how activated charcoal can help you achieve a healthier mouth and body.

Activated charcoal in oral care

Activated charcoal is particularly beneficial in dental floss. Not only does flossing in general boost the effectiveness of oral health, but the activated charcoal floss clings to plaque, removing buildup where a toothbrush can’t typically reach.

Its stain-removing properties help to thoroughly clean those hard to reach places between the teeth, while it also provides a level of clean that you can clearly see. Because it is black in colour, it allows you to witness exactly how much plaque and food debris you’re removing from your mouth.

Key benefits of activated charcoal:

Immunity boosting

Gum health is one of the primary ways to reduce the risk of chronic health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. This is because bacteria can enter the bloodstream through our gums and damage the inner lining of blood vessels, making us more susceptible to infections and disease. By using activated charcoal floss, you are engaging the adsorption powers of charcoal and extracting bad bacteria and toxins from the gums, contributing to your overall health.

Safety

For many years, activated charcoal was (and continues to be) a mainstay in the medical industry as an essential tool in managing poison consumption. Now, you can find over-the-counter charcoal supplements to help reduce bloating and even get rid of that pesky hangover. Made without harmful chemicals or unnatural ingredients, this powerful detoxifying agent is 100% safe both internally and topically.

Zero-Waste

Using only the most natural ingredients and products to care for the health of your mouth and body is a no-brainer. So is taking the same steps to care for the environment. A regular nylon dental floss can take between 50 and 80 years to decompose, and that doesn’t even include the plastic container. Not only that, but depending on where the floss ends up, it could impact marine life or contribute to the growing amount of landfill waste.

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