In the ever-evolving world of dental care—and social media—new trends constantly emerge, promising brighter, whiter smiles. One of the risings trends in 2023 is the use of purple toothpaste, which claims to whiten teeth, but in reality, it’s just a gimmick using color theory. “It’s tough to know what works and what doesn’t,” says Ultradent Social Media Manager Hartley Lojik, RDH. “But if it sounds too good to be true, it is.”
When discussing teeth whitening options, it’s essential to distinguish between temporary fixes and genuine oral health solutions. If you’re interested in the latter, purple toothpaste might not be the best choice. “Social media is full of gimmick products, if you ever want to look into them further, click on a hashtag and try and find one with a dental professional,” Lojik says. “We want your teeth to be white and healthy!”
The Purple Toothpaste Novelty
Purple toothpaste is based on the principle of color theory, where the purple hue is supposed to neutralize yellow stains on teeth. While this might sound scientifically plausible, the reality is it's more of an optical illusion than an oral health solution. The effect is purely cosmetic and extremely temporary. It doesn't address the underlying causes of tooth discoloration, such as plaque build-up or enamel erosion. For those seeking lasting oral health and genuine whitening, relying on such quick-fix solutions can be misleading.
The Importance of Quality Toothpaste
In contrast to temporary solutions like purple toothpaste, investing in a high-quality, studied, tested product is crucial for long-term oral health—this is where Opalescence™ Whitening Toothpaste makes a significant difference. Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is not just about brightening smiles; it helps maintain overall oral health with scientifically backed ingredients.
Advantages of Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste
- Effective Whitening: Unlike the superficial action of purple toothpaste, Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste provides a more effective and lasting whitening effect by removing surface stains and preventing new ones. It removes surface stains to lighten teeth up to 2 shades in just one month.1
- Enamel Protection: It strengthens the enamel, providing a solid defense against cavities and tooth sensitivity. The inclusion of sodium fluoride helps prevent cavities and strengthen enamel.2 Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste features exceptional fluoride uptake when compared to other toothpastes on the market.3
- Gentle and Safe: Formulated for daily use, Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is gentle on teeth and gums, making it a sustainable choice for long-term dental care. Whitening toothpastes that are more abrasive may weaken enamel, cause gum recession, or make your teeth more susceptible to decay and sensitivity if used daily. Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is less abrasive than other leading whitening toothpastes,4 making it safe to use every day.* You don’t have to sacrifice convenience or quality.
While the allure of quick fixes like purple toothpaste can be tempting, it's essential to prioritize long-term oral health over temporary cosmetic solutions. Choosing a trusted, quality toothpaste like Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste is a smarter decision for dental health.
To learn more about the underlying causes of teeth staining, click here, and try Opalescence Whitening Toothpaste for yourself by clicking here.
- Gultz J, Kaim J, Scherer W. Whitening efficacy of a whitening toothpaste crème [IADR abstract 2747]. J Dent Res. 1998;77(suppl 2):975.
- Sivapriya E, Sridevi K, Periasamy R, Lakshminarayanan L, Pradeepkumar AR. Remineralization ability of sodium fluoride on the microhardness of enamel, dentin, and dentinoenamel junction: Anin vitrostudy.J Conserv Dent. 2017;20(2):100–104.
- Schemehorn BR, et al. Enamel fluoride uptake study. Indianapolis: Dental Product Testing Therametric Technologies, Indiana University Emerging Technologies Center. 2009.
- Attin, T. Assessment of relative dentin abrasion (RDA) of two toothpastes from Ultradent Products, Inc. Universitat Zurich: Zurich, Switzerland. 2021. Data on file.
* If sensitivity persists after 4 weeks of use, consult your dentist.
FAQs
The Purple Toothpaste Novelty
Does the purple toothpaste actually work? ›
Despite claims, purple toothpaste doesn't whiten teeth or remove stains. Purple toothpaste uses color theory to neutralize yellow teeth by applying purple dye to the teeth, giving the illusion of a whiter smile. This effect is temporary and won't whiten teeth over time.
Does the HiSmile really work? ›
"If the stains on your teeth are difficult or ingrained, it's unlikely to work," he says. "But if your issue is with surface stains, such as those from coffee, tea, red wine, berries or sauces, products like HiSmile may reduce their colour, leaving you with less staining on your teeth."
Do any whitening toothpastes actually work? ›
Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
What do dentists say about purple toothpaste? ›
Purple toothpaste is based on the principle of color theory, where the purple hue is supposed to neutralize yellow stains on teeth. While this might sound scientifically plausible, the reality is it's more of an optical illusion than an oral health solution. The effect is purely cosmetic and extremely temporary.
What actually whitens teeth? ›
The active ingredient in most whitening products is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which is delivered as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is a stable complex that breaks down in contact with water to release hydrogen peroxide.
Are HiSmile results permanent? ›
But hey, it's a small price to pay for a smile that shines brighter than the sun. Now, here's the scoop: the results are temporary, folks. Yep, you heard me right. This ain't no permanent fix, but hey, it's perfect for those touch-ups or special events when you wanna look your absolute best.
What is the #1 recommended whitening toothpaste? ›
Colgate Optic White
This toothpaste is commonly recommended as the best whitening toothpaste due to its unique formulation. It contains 2% hydrogen peroxide, an active ingredient known for its bleaching ability. This makes it highly effective at removing surface stains on teeth, resulting in brighter and whiter teeth.
Do dentists recommend whitening toothpaste? ›
Whitening toothpaste is generally safe to use. However, if you use it for long periods, it may damage enamel and irritate your gums and teeth. Do not use whitening toothpaste more often than the label indicates—for example, once or twice daily for six weeks—or as a dentist advises.
Baking soda can be used with some water to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It can also be used with hydrogen peroxide to enhance its whitening effects. Baking soda can be used by individuals with regular toothpastes too. It is also used commercially in some teeth whitening products and toothpastes.
What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth? ›
In adults, low vitamin D status can lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Does vitamin D deficiency cause yellow teeth? Yes, vitamin D deficiency can show up as yellow teeth. Yellow or brown spots on teeth are a symptom of rickets, a condition caused by chronic low levels of vitamin D.
Can you use peroxide on teeth? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is an inexpensive household product you probably have on hand right now. When used carefully, it can be an effective way to whiten your teeth. But if used incorrectly — in concentrations that are too high or if used too often — it can cause serious and sometimes expensive tooth damage.
How long does Hismile purple toothpaste take to work? ›
If you recoil at the thought of sitting and waiting any longer than five minutes for a whitening treatment to take effect, get this: Hismile V34 works its magic in just two minutes! The instructions recommend applying two pumps of the solution onto a soft bristle toothbrush and gently brushing for two minutes.
How long do effects of purple toothpaste last? ›
Purple toothpaste may make your teeth appear brighter or whiter for a short time. It isn't a long-term fix because the purple colorants will naturally come off your teeth as you eat and drink throughout the day. Typically, you can expect results to last anywhere from a few hours to a day.
Do purple braces make your teeth look yellow? ›
Darker colors such as dark purple and navy blue make your teeth look whiter because they contrast with the natural color of your teeth. Be careful with dark colors, though, as dark green and dark brown can give the appearance of food stuck in your teeth.
