Does Purple Toothpaste Really Work? A Closer Look at the Trendy Teeth Whitening Solution

Ever stared at your smile in the mirror and wondered if those purple toothpaste videos on social media are too good to be true? You're not alone.

In a world where a dazzling white smile can cost hundreds at the dentist's office, the promise of a quick-fix purple paste that works like an Instagram filter for your teeth sounds almost magical. But before you rush to join the purple toothpaste revolution, let's separate fact from fiction and discover whether this colorful approach to teeth whitening is truly worth smiling about.

Key Takeaways

• Purple toothpaste uses purple pigments to neutralize yellow tones, giving a temporary brightening effect, but it doesn’t actually remove stains or whiten teeth permanently.
• Without fluoride, purple toothpaste is less effective for long-term dental health and should be used sparingly rather than as a replacement for regular toothpaste.
• This toothpaste is suitable for temporary whitening before events like photos or interviews, but not for consistent whitening results.

Why Do Teeth Turn Yellow in the First Place?

Face it... no one wants yellow teeth. But most of us get them by virtue of being alive... eating, drinking, and other lifestyle factors like cigarette smoking. Your genetic make-up and age matter too. But wait... there's more! It could also be influenced by over-fluoridation, plaque buildup, tooth decay, and even tooth grinding.

The fact is, all teeth have a hard enamel coating that's subject to staining.

Food and Drink

Are you a coffee addict, tea connoisseur, or soda or wine lover? Do you or have you smoked? Welcome to the tooth stained club. These are the most common causes of yellow tones on teeth.

Food and drinks can stain teeth due to several factors related to their composition, acidity, and the presence of staining compounds. Here’s how:

Chromogens: These are highly pigmented molecules found in many foods and beverages, particularly those that are dark in color, like coffee, red wine, berries, and soy sauce. Chromogens cling to tooth enamel, causing discoloration over time​.

Tannins: Tannins, which are naturally occurring compounds found in tea, wine, and certain fruits, enhance chromogen binding to enamel. This increases the likelihood of staining, especially in tea drinkers, as tea tends to contain more tannins than coffee​.

Acidity: Acidic foods and beverages (like citrus fruits, soda, and sports drinks) erode the tooth’s enamel, making it more porous and prone to staining. When enamel erodes, it exposes the underlying dentin, which is naturally darker in color. This erosion not only leads to a duller appearance but also creates more surface area for chromogens and tannins to stick to​.

Age

I'm sure you won't love hearing this, but age also plays a role in tooth yellowing. Your tooth enamel thins as you age, allowing the inner layer of dentin to show through. Dentin is typically yellow or brown, so it's going to show through as darker than you may want your teeth to be. Unfortunately, you can't whiten dentin, but you can still remove stains and lighten the enamel.

What is Purple Toothpaste?

If you're a coffee addict, ex-smoker, or red wine drinker -- or you just want to brighten up your smile for a younger appearance -- purple toothpaste might be worth a look. But it's not a perfect fix.

Purple toothpaste is the new rage for getting rid of yellow stains and achieving a brighter smile. The idea behind purple toothpaste is that it uses color theory to neutralize the yellow in your teeth... much as purple shampoo helps neutralize the brassy tones in hair. [7]

But purple toothpaste is a temporary fix. It shifts the apparent color by depositing a thin semi-transparent film of blueish pigment on your teeth for a whiter appearance. The theory is that yellow and purple are on opposite sides of the color wheel so they balance each other out.

Purple toothpastes contain V34 Color Corrector Serum, which includes glycerin, sorbitol, and hydrated silica. Typically, they do not contain fluoride.

How Purple Toothpaste Works for Teeth Whitening

Purple toothpaste neutralizes yellow discoloration with purple microparticles so that teeth appear whiter temporarily, as the light bounces off the enamel. It does not actually change the internal tooth color or remove surface stains.

Ask a dental professional, and they'll be quick to remind you that purple toothpaste does not contain important standard ingredients of toothpaste that they say counteract dental bacterial plaque and protect from tooth decay, such as fluoride.

Traditional toothpastes, on the other hand, often contain stannous fluoride, fluoride ions, and sodium bicarbonate, that aim to remove bacterial plaque and surface stains and prevent tooth decay.

Do Purple Toothpaste Products Actually Work?

One study tested the whitening potential of toothpastes containing optical colorants compared to existing commercial products. Researchers treated 125 bovine teeth with various toothpaste formulations and measured color changes, enamel surface effects, and chemical compositions post-treatment.

They used tools like spectrophotometry to assess whitening effectiveness, scanning electron microscopy to examine the tooth surface, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to analyze the elemental makeup. The results showed that experimental toothpastes with optical colorants created visibly whiter teeth, with some products achieving a high level of whitening effectiveness.

The experimental formulations showed distinct chemical benefits for the enamel, such as creating a silicon-rich mineral layer, particularly with the blue silica dental gel. The study concluded that the effectiveness of these toothpastes in whitening teeth is due to a combination of factors, including pH balance and particle size.

Overall, the results suggest that toothpastes using optical colorants can provide a substantial whitening effect and may work more effectively than some commercial options by enhancing enamel color and appearance through unique chemical actions on the tooth surface.[6]

According to dentists, purple toothpaste may make teeth appear whiter, but it's a temporary fix that's mostly suitable for photo shoots, weddings, a first date or interview, or another special event, and is not truly effective in whitening teeth.

Effectiveness of Purple Toothpaste on Surface Stains

Because purple toothpaste works by depositing purple micro-particles onto yellow teeth, it does not remove the surface stains that come from eating and drinking over a long period of years. Rather, it only coats your teeth with purple pigments that provide a temporary brightening effect for a few hours.

Most dental professionals do not recommend purple toothpaste for cavity prevention or general oral health either. So it has limited uses across the spectrum of dental care. It doesn't really whiten teeth, and it doesn't prevent cavities or promote oral health per se.

Traditional whitening toothpaste is better at removing surface stains and actually whitening teeth than purple toothpaste. Whitening toothpaste works by using enamel-safe abrasives to physically remove darker surface stains. Many contain other active ingredients that help dissolve stains.

How to Use Purple Toothpaste

Using purple toothpaste isn't all that different from using regular toothpaste.

You'll want to use a wet toothbrush, a soft bristle toothbrush, which helps create a foamy lather that enhances cleaning action and creates even distribution of the toothpaste. Brush with gentle circular motions so you don't damage tooth enamel. Thoroughly apply the toothpaste to all teeth, just as you would with your regular oral care routine.

Brush for two minutes. Don't cut the time short. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water to remove all toothpaste and debris. You don't want leftover whitening agents hanging out in your mouth to cause irritation. A thorough rinse will help leave your mouth clean and fresh.

Cautions with Purple Toothpastes

Purple toothpaste and tooth sensitivity do not pair well together. Purple toothpaste can increase your risk of experiencing side effects such as teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and allergic reactions.

In addition, the purple pigments in the toothpaste may cause discoloration of your oral tissues.

Always follow manufacturer's instructions and use as directed.

If you experience any side effects, discontinue use and consult with your dentist or healthcare provider.

Choosing the Right Purple Toothpaste

What goes into choosing the best purple toothpaste for a brighter and whiter smile? Check your teeth whitening products against this checklist:

Taste

While we want good flavor in our toothpaste, we want zero sugar because its effect on dental cavities means it absolutely violates principles of good dental care routine. Some toothpastes use sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. Be aware if you're sensitive to them, or eat many products containing sugar alcohols, as they can cause digestive distress in large amounts or in certain people.

Most purple toothpastes have a simple fresh taste that gives an overall clean feeling you want after brushing. But some people find that some purple toothpastes taste metallic, unusual or just too strong.

Texture

Toothpaste usually comes in a gel or thick paste. It should not appear runny, chalky, or gritty.

Packaging

How easy is it to use? Is it messy or clean to use? Are the caps easy to open and close? Of secondary importance to ease of use, you might want to consider how eco-friendly the packaging is.

Price/Value

Does the toothpaste offer decent value for the price? Is the price reasonable and affordable? How about the brand's reputation?

Reviews

Read reviews and do your research before making a purchase. Especially, read the 1-star reviews to discover the problems inherent in the product.

American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval

Dental professionals always recommend that you shop for an ADA Seal of Acceptance. On the one hand, the ADA review helps make sure abrasives won't do more harm than good. On the flip side, the ADA will never approve a toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. And many in the natural health world believe that fluoride is unhelpful if not dangerous to human health. It's beyond the scope of this article to do a deep dive into the fluoride issue. But if you're one of those who wishes to avoid fluoride, skip the ADA Seal of Approval and make your pick based on other criteria such as the most natural ingredients.

Whitening Toothpaste vs. Purple Toothpaste

For better stain removing technology, choose a whitening toothpaste, not a purple toothpaste. It won't remove deep stains, but can handle light staining. [8]

Most whitening toothpaste uses gentle, enamel-safe abrasives that gently scrub off stains caused by normal eating and drinking. Technically, they clean the gunk and help neutralize yellow tones to give you a more radiant smile. But you may still want another in-home whitening product to get the white teeth results you want. Studies show that the factor that determines the whitening efficacy of the toothpaste is the effectiveness of the abrasives in the toothpaste. [4]

Secondly, there are bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, which can actually lift off the color from the outermost layers of your enamel. They need more than two minutes to work; it takes several minutes. Be forewarned that bleaching agents can also be irritating and cause sensitivity.

However, the efficacy of whitening toothpaste is still somewhat questionable and controversial. And obviously, there's potential for disappointment if the desired cosmetic whitening results are not achieved.

Abrasive Whiteners vs. Purple or Blue Whiteners

Researchers decided to put different teeth whitening toothpastes under the microscope in a fascinating head-to-head competition. They gathered up 40 extracted human teeth (yes, real teeth!) and set out to discover which popular whitening ingredient would reign supreme: activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide, or blue covarine - that trendy blue-tinted compound that claims to instantly make teeth appear whiter. [7]

Picture a scientific tooth-brushing marathon that lasted nearly a month. Every day, researchers diligently brushed these teeth with an electric toothbrush, carefully tracking changes in tooth color using a high-tech spectrophotometer (think of it as a super-precise color detector). They didn't just eyeball the results - they used complex formulas to measure exactly how much whiter each tooth became over 7, 14, and 28 days of brushing.

The results? In a surprising twist, the dark horse of the competition - activated charcoal toothpaste - emerged as the clear winner, showing significantly better whitening results than its competitors after just one week. Even more impressive was its performance after 28 days of use. Meanwhile, hydrogen peroxide (often considered the gold standard in whitening) performed about the same as regular toothpaste, and the trendy blue covarine brought up the rear with the least impressive results. It's a reminder that sometimes the most effective solutions aren't always the most heavily marketed or newest innovations on the shelf.

Other At-Home Treatments

So, there's both whitening and purple toothpaste. As noted, you used to have to pay hundreds of dollars to your dentist to get whitening treatments. Now you have seemingly endless choices from the comfort of home. Besides the toothpastes, you can use:

Whitening Strips

At-home teeth whitening strips work by applying a peroxide-based gel to the teeth, which gently lifts stains from the enamel over time.

Most whitening strips use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen molecules that penetrate enamel and break apart stain molecules. Carbamide peroxide, which contains hydrogen peroxide, releases the active ingredient more slowly, making it gentler on teeth and often used in strips meant for sensitive teeth​.

The strips are thin, flexible, and coated with the peroxide gel on one side. Users apply them directly to their teeth, ensuring contact with the tooth surface where staining occurs. The gel works over a recommended period (usually 10-30 minutes per session), and consistent use over a week or more can yield visible results. They generally offer a whitening effect of one to two shades, making them suitable for mild-to-moderate discoloration. However, results vary based on factors like tooth sensitivity, enamel thickness, and the initial degree of staining.

Whitening Kits

At-home teeth whitening kits work by using peroxide-based bleaching agents to whiten teeth, similar to strips but with a stronger concentration and often enhanced application methods. These kits generally include a whitening gel or serum and a tray or device to hold the gel against the teeth, allowing for more uniform application.

Kits usually include trays, pens, or applicators designed to ensure even gel application. Some kits feature LED lights or UV lamps to enhance the whitening effect by speeding up the chemical reaction. While the effectiveness of LED lights in home whitening is still under debate, some studies suggest that the light can increase the peroxide’s ability to remove stains​.

At-home whitening kits can be effective for surface and mild intrinsic stains, typically lightening teeth by two to three shades. Results vary depending on the initial tooth color, stain severity, and frequency of use. However, users should exercise caution and follow guidelines to achieve the best results without risking sensitivity or enamel damage.

Whitening Mouthwashes

At-home teeth whitening mouthwashes are designed to gradually lighten teeth over time by delivering a diluted whitening agent, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, in a rinse form.

Whitening mouthwashes generally contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide compared to other at-home whitening products like strips or gels. This diluted form of peroxide targets surface stains, and when used consistently, it can lead to gradual lightening by breaking down stain molecules on the enamel​. Because the contact time with teeth is shorter and the peroxide concentration is lower, it’s often recommended as a maintenance option or a mild whitening method rather than a primary solution. Consistent daily use over weeks or months is usually necessary to see any noticeable change​.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is the most efficient way to go if you have the money to spend.

Many dentists offer teeth whitening services in-office. These have stronger hydrogen peroxide available than those used in home kits. They might also use UV light or lasers to enhance teeth whitening. Some dentists create custom bleach trays so you can continue to use them at home.

Professional whitening treatments are quite effective, and work faster than home products. But they're expensive, and your dental insurance probably won't cover them, as teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure.

Should Whitening Toothpastes Replace Your Traditional Toothpaste

No! Neither at-home whitening treatments nor purple toothpastes are as effective as traditional toothpaste to protect teeth and remove food particles for everyday use and daily good oral hygiene.

Traditional toothpaste often contains ingredients like stannous fluoride, fluoride ion, and sodium bicarbonate that may contribute to overall oral health, according to the American Dental Association.

What's more, whitening toothpaste may contain mild abrasives or chemical agents that can damage tooth enamel if overused. Traditional toothpaste is a far better option for maintaining oral health.

In fact, skipping brushing with traditional toothpaste and skipping flossing or other dental professional care is a recipe for serious health problems, as good oral care benefits your health overall. And poor oral care can lead to a host of health problems.

Poor Oral Care Can Trigger Major Health Problems

If you want a glimpse into the future of whether you'll suffer from a chronic disease, take a look at your mouth in the mirror.

Poor oral health (and fewer teeth) affects your appearance, how you speak, what foods you can eat, and your general quality of life. But the biggest risk of poor dental health is to your immune system.

If your mouth is a world of hurt, your health is also suffering, whether you realize it yet or not. Gum disease is a major cause of system-wide inflammation, which is a trigger for many other health risks. Mouth micro-organisms enter the bloodstream and wreak havoc on your overall health, ranging from heart disease to cancer to rheumatoid arthritis and more. In fact, 500 papers link poor oral health to major diseases.

Research conclusively shows that an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, stroke, early death, and much more is linked to gum disease. This is of far greater consequence to your wellbeing than a whiter smile. And it means that dental professional visits, proper brushing with traditional toothpaste, flossing, and other oral care routines are more important than color-correcting technology and whitening treatment. Just to put things into perspective.

General Tips for Teeth Whitening

Always follow manufacturer directions or your dentist's instructions. In addition:

• Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before using whiteners.
• Make sure whitener kit trays are dry before filling them with peroxide solution. Never overfill the trays.
• When applying gel to your teeth, brush carefully over all exposed surfaces. Keep gel away from your gums.
• When using strips or a tray, be sure the peroxide is in full contact with your teeth. Otherwise, you'll end up with spotty results.
• Wipe away any gel that oozes onto your gums.
• Leave the gel or strip on only for the recommended amount of time. Exceeding it could cause tooth sensitivity or damage.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly to clean out the whitener.
• Wait one hour before eating or drinking.
• Avoid tooth stainers including wine, soda, coffee, tea, cigarettes, and citrus for at least 2 days following treatment. Your teeth are especially susceptible to staining in those first couple of days.

Summary

People today have many options to attain a brighter smile. Among the most popular of recent years is purple toothpaste, which uses color correcting technology to create a super-thin bluish layer on the tooth enamel. It's not great for sensitive teeth, and you'll want to be sure to thoroughly rinse your mouth after brushing with purple toothpaste.

Other popular options including whitening toothpaste, professional teeth whitening, and whitening strips. All can give you a brighter smile, but purple toothpaste is the most short-term solution of the bunch. Its results last only a few hours, making it most suitable for special events like weddings, interviews, dates, and photo shoots. It'll at least offer you a whiter smile for a few hours. The most effective option is professional teeth whitening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does purple toothpaste actually whiten teeth?

No, purple toothpaste doesn't whiten teeth in the traditional sense. It neutralizes yellow tones temporarily, similar to how purple shampoo does with hair. This makes teeth appear whiter, but it doesn't remove stains or bleach the teeth for a more permanent fix.

How long do the effects of purple toothpaste last?

The whitening effect of purple toothpaste is temporary and typically lasts until the product is rinsed off, sometimes for a few hours. It's ideal for quick touch-ups before events rather than sustained whitening.

Is purple toothpaste safe to use daily?

Yes, purple toothpaste is generally safe for daily use. However, it doesn't contain fluoride which the American Dental Association (ADA) regards as imperative. They suggest a fluoridated toothpaste, not a purple toothpaste for regular use.

Can purple toothpaste remove stains?

Purple toothpaste does not remove stains. It works by visually neutralizing yellow hues on the surface of the teeth, but it doesn't tackle deep or intrinsic stains.

Who should use purple toothpaste?

Anyone looking for a temporary whitening effect before special events or photos can use purple toothpaste. However, for long-term whitening, traditional whitening products with peroxide or professional treatments are more effective. It should also be noted that people with sensitive teeth may have problems using purple toothpaste due to increased sensitivity.