Do Charcoal Toothbrushes Work for Kids

What’s this hype about charcoal?

First, we saw charcoal in face wash, soaps, and handwashes. Now, it’s in our toothbrush.

Every parent is battling with 100s of choices. But is it safe? Can our children use charcoal toothbrushes safely? You might be too cautious regarding your kid’s oral health.

So, should you jump on the trend and get your kid a charcoal toothbrush or continue with regular ones? 

We will give answers to all your “can I get my kid a charcoal toothbrush for healthy dental” questions in this blog. 

Let’s dive in! 

What’s The Logic Behind Charcoal Toothbrush For Your Kid?

The bristles of a charcoal toothbrush are infused with activated charcoal that is very good for your kids. 

Wondering why? 

Because they are made of oxidized organic materials like coal, coconut shells, olive pits, etc., in this form, charcoal is nothing but an exfoliating agent that helps you keep a check on the dental care of your child. 

However, if you want your kid to imbibe all the good properties of charcoal, you need to activate it so that it can work to its full potential. 

But, how to do it? 

When charcoal is heated to a high temperature, it gets ‘activated.’ The process of activating charcoal makes it porous and helps in maintaining the oral hygiene of your kids. 

Are you still confused about Activated Charcoal? Learn more about it in the next section! 

What is Activated Charcoal?

Activated charcoal is a carbon compound with large open pores that helps in the process of adsorption (the process of accumulating molecular species at the surface rather than in the bulk of liquid or solid) that facilitates the cleaning of contaminated water, air, and other substances. 

Charcoal is made of mainly five constituents, They are: 

• Wood
• Coconut
• Shell
• Coal
• Petroleum

The presence of these particles builds larger pores, enabling them to trap chemicals. Further, activated charcoal is treated with oxygen at an extremely high temperature to make it porous enough. It is widely used in many products, like toothbrush bristles. 

Benefits Of Charcoal Toothbrush For Your Precious Ones

Still, wondering what this fuss about charcoal toothbrushes is and why they are the best option for your kid? The main reason can be to take good care of your kids’ oral hygiene, as they are more prone to cavities, yellow teeth, and bacterial infections. 

Take a sneak peek at the benefits of using an unconventional charcoal toothbrush for your kid. 

#1. Cleaner, whiter teeth

You must have come across many oral dental care products that claim their product to be made explicitly for kids. Or they can whiten your child’s teeth. Why do you think they are so sure about their claims? 

The activated charcoal is highly absorbent, allowing it to bind with acidic components like juices, chocolates, candies, and ice creams. These acidic components lead to discolored teeth. However, when activated charcoal binds with these components, it pulls off the stains and keeps your kid’s teeth whiter. 

#2. Removes Bacteria

Harmful bacteria damage their teeth if your kid suffers from cavities, gum disease, or other dental issues. The antibacterial properties of a charcoal toothbrush lessen the number of bacteria living in your kid’s toothbrushes. Activated charcoal effectively removes bacteria from the teeth, resulting in healthier teeth and gums.

#3. Fresher Breaths

It can be embarrassing for your child to have bad breath. As a parent, you must check their oral hygiene, including foul breath. Harmful bacteria cause not only dental issues but are also the root cause of bad breath. 

You are cutting down on bacteria, which results in fresher breaths and no foul odor. Charcoal toothbrushes help you disinfect your teeth from harmful bacteria by removing plaque, a sticky substance that clings to the surface of teeth and can provide a home for harmful bacteria to live and thrive.   

#4. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly

If you plan to go sustainable with your lifestyle choices, choosing a biodegradable toothbrush can be your first step. Charcoal toothbrushes are an eco-friendly option that helps maintain the earth’s rhythm. So, you would significantly contribute to the planet’s well-being by opting to go with it.

#5. They have a long shelf life.

Unlike other toothbrushes, charcoal toothbrushes don’t wear off too quickly. They remain in better condition for a longer time. This doesn’t mean you should use them for more than three months! It’s just that the state of charcoal toothbrushes would be better than others after three months.

Now, you know all the benefits you can have for your child with charcoal toothpaste. Let’s have a look at some of the drawbacks too.

Downsides of Charcoal Toothbrush For Kids

Using a charcoal toothbrush is relatively a newer concept. While it is true that charcoal helps with deep cleaning, it’s helpful to understand its downsides.

Let us look at a few of them. 

#1. Hard Bristles

Charcoal is a very harsh substance. It cleans up the surface layer called enamel, which helps protect the teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity. Though it promises deep cleaning, there are notable side effects. 

Child’s teeth, especially primary ones, are susceptible, making charcoal a very non-required substance. In a study, it has been proved that alongside helping in teeth whitening, charcoal is equally abrasive. Thus, it isn’t an apt element in a kid’s oral health kit.

#2. Pediatric dentists don’t recommend charcoal brushes for every kid

Despite the toothbrush’s whitening and brightening effects on the teeth, it still isn’t recommended well enough by experts for kids with sensitive teeth and gums. 

Why?

Dentists are hesitant to advise charcoal toothbrushes to patients with sensitivity issues. Though it can be a fantastic option for someone with a healthy mouth, it would not go along well with oral sensitivity. 

Thus, dentists are hesitant to recommend it to patients with such conditions.

Can Kids Use A Charcoal Toothbrush Every Day? 

As far as a kid’s dental hygiene routine is concerned and what should be used regularly, charcoal toothbrushes are not included in the list of everyday essentials. First, pediatric dentists do not support using charcoal toothbrushes enough. 

They are hesitant as there isn’t enough proof about the efficiency and if the pros and cons stand balanced enough. The fact that it is too abrasive for regular use for kids further supports the avoidance of using such toothbrushes regularly.

How Long Does A Charcoal Toothbrush Last For Kids? 

According to research, charcoal toothbrushes do not wear off very quickly compared to normal ones. One of the many reasons could be the occasional use. It is advisable or mandatory that toothbrushes be replaced every three months. 

So, is it different from charcoal ones? They need to get replaced after three months. A typical charcoal toothbrush would last up to three months.

Tips To Select The Right Charcoal Toothbrush For Your Kids 

If you want to add charcoal toothbrushes to your kid’s oral care kit, you must consider a few before purchasing one.

#1. Examine the bristles

Bristles help clean the teeth, and they touch the teeth and gum line. Hence, ensure they are soft enough to protect your child’s gums and teeth from extreme harshness. Though softer bristles are an important factor for every age group, it is essential for toddlers because their teeth and gums require extra softness and care. You also need to look for something that wouldn’t wear off quickly.

#2. The right size toothbrush for kids

Size is another crucial factor you should look at. You must have seen that kid’s toothbrushes come to their particular size, and there’s a reason behind it. It is not because they are tiny, so their brushes replicate that. The reason is that their mouth isn’t large enough, and a wide-sized toothbrush wouldn’t do justice to efficient cleaning. 

#3. Ergonomic or biodegradable handle

Stay rooted in your intentions if you are committed to buying eco-friendly products. The most notable feature of charcoal toothbrushes is their biodegradable handle. Check for flexibility as that would cater to more precise cleaning and sustainability.

#4. Price and Expert Recommendations

Another critical factor is buying products from reputable brands that experts recommend. The price should not be unreasonably high, but either too low. Since most cheap charcoal brushes are exported from countries like China, it’s better to be wary of prices that are too good to be true. 

Top Charcoal Toothbrush For Child’s Dental Health

Find the top charcoal toothbrushes explicitly designed for children by famous brands.

The design is highly durable and functional, which makes it cost-efficient. The most impressive part is the power tip bristle that easily cleans difficult-to-reach areas through its extended length. It also helps to remove stains without being very harsh because the charcoal content is just enough and improves gum hygiene with the help of its outward design feature.

Colgate Slim Soft Charcoal Toothbrush comes with charcoal-infused bristles with a slim and flexible tip. Bristles are 17 times slimmer than an ordinary toothbrush bristle, making them a fantastic option for children who generally have sensitive teeth. It comes in different colors that attract your child’s attention and interest. Maintaining a healthy gum line is highly efficient while ensuring that even the minutest food debris gets removed.

Issah charcoal brush handles are made up of highly smooth bamboo. It makes up for a considerably more durable and healthier option with the help of its splinter-free handle that is waterproof and long-lasting. The charcoal brushes are available in a pack of 12 and are an eco-friendly option that maintains personal oral health and contributes to environmental sustainability.

Takeaway: Charcoal vs. Non-Charcoal Toothbrushes: Which is The Right Choice For Kids? 

While charcoal toothbrushes have grabbed great attention because of their ability to clean plaque and bacteria from the teeth, some things still need to be highlighted better. 

Yes, they are environment-friendly, but the question is, are they good enough for kids?

Kids’ teeth and oral health are very different from adults; it is still developing. During these stages, the primary concern should be to teach and help them maintain a good oral hygiene routine. It has been proven that charcoal toothbrushes possess antibacterial and anti-microbial properties, but remember, every kid is different. 

It’s better to try one charcoal brush with your child and see if they like it. If they don’t like it, or it doesn’t provide the cleaning you want, it’s better to go with other brushes. Or, on the safer side, consult an expert for advice and choose what’s best for your kid. 

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