Charcoal toothpaste whitens your teeth
The source of this claim is singer and celebrity Nicole Scherzinger.
Image description: A chart. On the left hand side going down, the types of evidence (types one through to five) are listed. Each has a face showing emotion depending on how reliable the evidence is, and is coloured like traffic lights to reflect whether you can rely on it. Type 1: Red. sad/horrified. Type 2: Amber. unhappy. Type 3: Light green. Happy. Type 4: Mid green. Not sure. Type 5: Dark green. Overjoyed!
Image description: An article headline from Mail Online reads: The Science Behind The Trend.
The text reads:
"This trend involves brushing teeth using an activated charcoal – the product comes as in capsule form or as a powder – mixed with water to create a paste which is then applied to a brush and used to scrub teeth. It’s believed charcoal can absorb tannins – these are the compounds found in coffee, tea and wine that stain your teeth. And it’s also claimed the gritty black stuff has the power to eliminate toxic bacteria which cause bad breath. While many claim the product has miracle whitening properties, Sydney-based cosmetic dentist Dr Luke Cronin warned against embracing the trend because there’s limited evidence to support if it’s any good for you, or your teeth. ‘It’s unclear if activated charcoal is safe as there are concerns that it may be too abrasive to use on your teeth and gums,’ he said in August."
Image description: A headline from website IOL reads: The secret to perfect early whites is to make them black first.
The picture is of singer and celebrity Nicole Scherzinger. Nicole is smiling at the camera showing a row of white teeth.
The text reads:
"NICOLE SCHERZINGER SHARES HER SECRET BEHIND HER PERFECTLY WHITE SMILE. The X Factor judge said she brushes her teeth with a powdered form of the substance, which is said to remove toxins and stains and kill bacteria. Revealing her unusual beauty regime, the 38 year old singer told the Mail: ‘I’d much rather brush my teeth with coal. Makes your teeth whiter.’ Although she refers to the whitener as coal the ingredient used in a variety of products on the market is activated charcoal."
Image description: Post on Instagram by maya.la.mode
The picture shows a woman with long hair cleaning her teeth with charcoal toothpaste. You can see that the inside of her mouth is black from the toothpaste.
The text reads: "Just tried the @activatedcoco charcoal powder and I’m OBSESSED. My teeth looked whiter even after the first use! This stuff is 100% natural, organic, cruelty free, and made with medical grade activated charcoal. What’s not to love? Click the link in my bio to get your charcoal powder and enjoy free expedited shipping. Use promo code MAYA at checkout for an additional 15% off! Video of the process coming soon–stay tuned!"
