Activated charcoal is usually powdered charcoal of particular grades of coconut shells and is very useful in decontaminating water and other edible or drinkable liquids. When added to toothpastes it is free of any harmful ingredients and is black in color. There are many puns about black makes white, etc. Sometimes the activated carbon comes from bamboo shoots and is described as being excellent at polishing teeth and removing bacterial plaque. It also keeps bad breath in check, whitens the teeth and refreshes the mouth at the same time.
