When was the last time you thought about the toothpaste you use? You’ve probably been buying the same brand for years out of habit, but have never really noticed a difference in your teeth. Take a look at the back of your toothpaste tube. Can you pronounce all of the ingredients? Do you know what they are?

If you take time to understand the ingredients in your food, you should put in the same effort to research what is in your toothpaste. Here are some important ingredients that provide benefit for your teeth and gums in an Activated Charcoal Toothpaste.

Activated Charcoal

Charcoal has been used to clean teeth for thousands of years. It becomes ‘activated’ when it is burned at high temperatures in order to change its internal structure. Activated charcoal, in this case, is made from coconut. Here’s how it works – coconut husks are burned in an oxygen-poor environment to create charcoal. To make it “active”, hot air is introduced to burn out excess gasses. When used as a toothpaste, it binds to everything in its path, including stains, tartar and bacteria.

Coconut

Coconut contains fatty acids that have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including killing harmful bacteria. In a study performed by the University of Kentucky’s College of Dentistry, researchers found that fatty acids (like those found in coconut) can influence oral bacteria by balancing the good and bad bacteria in the mouth. Another study performed by Kannur Dental College in India has found that participants that used coconut oil for seven days, showed a significant decrease in plaque and gingivitis during the 30 day study.

Hydrated Silicia

Many other brands use calcium carbonate in their formulas for teeth whitening. Silica is an important mineral that has been shown to provide numerous benefits, especially for the health of your bone and joints. Hydrated Silicia is the result of the mineral binding to water molecules. When used in an activated charcoal toothpaste, it naturally helps to remove plaque and stains on your teeth.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon oil is known for its antibacterial properties. It is especially benefical for the teeth and gums and have been used for its medicinal properties, specifically anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Research conducted in New Zealand shows that cinnamon has the greatest antimicrobial potency against bacteria, including those responsible for tooth decay and gum disease.

Apple Cider Vinegar

One of the most popular health products this year, Apple Cider Vinegar has touted for its multiple health benefits. It contains natural acids – acetic and malic acid – that help to eliminate bacteria that causes bad breath and remove stains. A study performed by the Department of Natural Sciences, School of Science and Technology of Middlesex University report that Apple Cider Vinegar has multiple antimicrobial effects, that also displayed benefit for reducing inflammation and destroying harmful proteins and enzymes.

Spearmint

Spearmint is a species of mint that is found in many oral products and has been shown to have therapeutic properties, as it contains vitamins, antioxidants, and vital nutrients. Other than its pleasant smell, Spearmint has been shown to have anti-fungal properties, according to a study presented at the International Conference of Environmental and Agriculture Engineering.

Together, Activated Coconut Charcoal, Cinnamon, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrated Silica and Spearmint provide superior support for stimulating gum health and freshening breath. When used in an Activated Charcoal Toothpaste, this unique formula absorbs toxins from irritated gums and helps promote oral microbial balance for fresher breath, brighter teeth, and healthier gums. For polishing teeth and helping remove resins that stain teeth, including from wine, tea, coffee and tobacco.

What do you think about an Activated Charcoal Toothpaste? Leave us a comment below to join the conversation!