It’s a product that’s advertised by social networks to improve smiles. However, despite all the claims, the toothpaste doesn’t, in fact, teeth or wash away staining. Purple toothpaste is only used to mask the yellow appearance of teeth.
Here’s how purple toothpaste works and what dentists consider the tooth-whitening trend.
What Is Purple Toothpaste?
Purple toothpaste is a toothpaste serum, toothpaste, or foam with the color of purple. In contrast to regular whitening toothpaste, purple toothpaste rarely has mild abrasives or bleaching agents to eliminate staining and bleach teeth. “Purple toothpaste contains pigments that counterbalance yellow tones on teeth,” David Chen, DDS, a dentist from New York, told Health. “These pigments react with light, offering a visually whiter appearance.”
Some toothpastes in the purple category also function as regular toothpaste and help remove plaque and bacteria from teeth, according to Chen. However, most purple toothpaste products are not foams or serums and do not contain the usual toothpaste ingredients, such as fluoride.
What Does Purple Toothpaste Do?
Purple toothpaste is a color correction product that helps teeth appear by coating the teeth with a purple color. The result is like using purple shampoo to prevent yellowing of white hair. “Purple toothpaste contains color-correcting pigments meant to counteract yellow or off-white discoloration,” Chen said. Chen. “The purple coloration is designed to neutralize yellow stains, enhancing the natural whiteness of the teeth.”
Purple is a color that can complement yellow as they are complementary colors, meaning they’re at opposite ends in the wheel of colors. In the context of the theory of color, mixing these colors can result in the white color. 1
“People see instant results because the purple hue turns the yellow hue of your teeth white,” Jason Cellars, DDS, a dentist at Sea Cliff Dental in California, explained to the Health. “Unfortunately, this illusion is short-lived, and your teeth will only appear whiter until the toothpaste fully washes off.”
The Best Natural Toothpaste for a Healthy Smile, According to Dentists
Does Purple Toothpaste Work?
“It can be a quick fix for an instant photo but will not achieve sustainable whitening,” said Cellars. Purple toothpaste isn’t able to bleach yellow teeth or lessen staining on teeth. It simply creates the appearance of white teeth by using the theory of color. “Its whitening effect is mainly superficial, targeting the appearance of teeth rather than deeply cleaning or bleaching them,” Chen explained. Chen.
To whiten teeth, the products must remove the surface stains in the enamel (extrinsic) and bleach stains in teeth (intrinsic). 2 Whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide can penetrate the teeth to improve their appearance. Purple toothpaste cannot bleach or whiten teeth without the ingredients listed above. 3
The whitening effects of the purple toothpaste can be temporary. “It works on the surface and does not change the intrinsic color of the teeth,” Chen explained. Chen. “Regular use may maintain the appearance, but it’s not a permanent solution to discoloration.”
Is Purple Toothpaste Safe?
The American Dental Association (ADA) has not endorsed any toothpaste with a purple color to ensure safety and efficacy. If you adhere to the guidelines, Chen notes that most purple toothpastes are safe. Like other whitening toothpaste, it is possible to experience side effects like gum irritation and tooth sensitivity–especially if you overuse it or already have dental issues.4
Since food dyes color purple toothpaste, Your lips and tongue could also change color temporarily or blue. According to Cellars, food dye allergy sufferers are also susceptible to allergic reactions to toothpaste that contains purple, Purple toothpaste usually contains artificial dyes, such as Blue 1 and Red 40 or Red 33 and Red 33, all of which can lead to allergic reactions. Allergies to food dyes are rare, and allergy symptoms usually affect the skin. Think of the appearance of hives, swelling, or eruptions of eczema. Do not use the product, and speak to your dentist if there are reactions following toothpaste with a purple color. 5
A few dentists are worried that fast-fix products such as purple toothpaste can harm the hygiene of your mouth. “While such products might provide temporary aesthetic benefits, long-term dental health and appearance are best achieved through regular professional dental care and hygiene practices,” explained Chen. As per the ADA, the most effective way to ensure your smile stays bright and healthy is to brush your teeth at least twice every day, floss daily, and attend regular dental appointments.
Other Ways to Whiten Teeth
If you’re looking to get more durable results from whitening that can tackle the discoloration of your teeth or surface stains, look into these over-the-counter (OTC) as well as professional procedures:
Dental whitening: The types of toothpaste remove stains on surfaces using mild abrasives. A whitening toothpaste can contain carbamide or hydrogen peroxide, which can bleach teeth and reduce colors.
Gel for whitening that you paint on ( whitening pens): OTC hydrogen or carbamide peroxide gels stick to teeth to begin bleaching. The gel is usually used when necessary or for approximately one week.
Whitening gel tray: This OTC tray for teeth contains various amounts of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide gel. The trays stay in the mouth for an extended time, reapplying up to 10 times.
Whitening stripsOTC strips with 5-14 percent hydrogen peroxide are sprayed over the dental surface for approximately 30 minutes. This bleaches the external and internal tooth stains. Studies have shown that the whitening strips are the most efficient OTC tooth whitening technique. The method is typically used every day for around fourteen weeks.
Professional at-home tray for whitening: These dentist-provided custom trays have higher levels of carbamide peroxide that whiten teeth. Based on the effect you want to achieve, the trays at home are designed to be worn for a minimum of some hours and utilized for up to one month.
Dental whitening in the office: A dentist applies high peroxide levels to lighten the surface and deep staining. It is usually coupled with light-activated bleaching systems that aid in speeding up and improving the bleaching process.
In-office enamel microabrasion/rubber-cup prophylaxis: For surface tooth stains, a dentist may apply abrasive gel to remove thin layers of enamel to remove stains. Prophylaxis with a rubber attachment removes plaque, colors, and tartar from the teeth’s surface.
When selecting an OTC bleaching product, search to see that it has the ADA Seal of Accreditation, indicating the product complies with ADA security and effectiveness standards.
A Quick Review
Contrary to the claims, toothpaste made of purple does not whiten teeth nor remove staining. Purple toothpaste employs the theory of color to counteract yellowing by putting purple dye on the teeth, creating the appearance of whiter teeth. The effect lasts only a few minutes and will not whiten your teeth over time. Most purple toothpaste isn’t authentic; therefore, make sure you’re brushing your teeth using the correct toothpaste to avoid cavities.
If you want a brighter smile with lasting results, try hydrogen peroxide treatments such as OTC whiteners, office bleaching procedures, and at-home bleaching trays.