If you’re on Tik Tok or other popular social media websites, you have probably heard of purple toothpaste. This new product, even promoted by celebrities, is marketed to product fast-acting teeth whitening results at-home. Dental professionals have taken note of the new whitening trend, but caution consumers of its potential harm and ineffectiveness. This article will explain more about purple toothpaste and what consumers should know before purchasing.
What is Purple Toothpaste?
So, you are probably wondering, ‘what is purple toothpaste’ and ‘does purple toothpaste work?’ Purple toothpaste is a new popular brand of toothpaste that uses purple micro-particles to make teeth appear whiter.
Unlike traditional toothpastes, purple toothpaste contains V34 Color Corrector Serum, which includesGlycerin, (Aqua) Water, Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Xylitol, Polysorbate 80, Cellulose Gum, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Sucralose, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, CI 17200/D&C Red No. 33, CI 42090/FD&C Blue No.1, and Ethylhexylglycerin, according to the manufacturer ingredient list.
Traditional toothpastes recommended by dental professionals often contain stannous fluoride, fluoride ion, sodium bicarbonate, among other ingredients that aim to remove bacterial plaque and surface stains and prevent tooth decay and calculus buildup.
How Purple Toothpaste Works
So, does purple toothpaste work? In the eyes of many dental professionals, purple toothpaste may initially make teeth appear whiter, but ultimately is not effective in whitening teeth. It also, as mentioned, does not contain important standard ingredients of toothpaste that eliminate dental bacterial plaque and protect teeth from decay. Purple toothpaste works by counteracting yellow discoloration on teeth with purple microparticles so that the teeth appear white temporarily. This interaction, however, does not actually change the internal color of teeth nor remove surface stains.
The Science Behind Purple Toothpaste
Purple toothpaste is considered a color correcting technology, much like what is used in purple hair toners. The toothpaste releases purple micro-particles (Red 33 and Blue 1 dyes) onto your teeth, which when mixed with yellow stains produces a white color temporarily.
Key Ingredients and Their Functions
- Glycerin: This ingredient is used in many toothpastes including purple toothpaste to preserve moisture. It also is responsible for giving toothpaste its smooth texture.
- Sorbitol: Sorbitol helps maintain the texture of toothpaste and also acts as a sweetening agent.
- Xylitol: It is a sugar alcohol that acts as a sweetener and is suggested to help prevent tooth decay.
- Tetrasodium pyrophosphate: acts as an anti-calculus agent.
Effectiveness and Benefits of Purple Toothpaste
Purple whitening toothpaste claims to produce brighter teeth through color correcting technology. Dental professionals caution that this teeth whitening effect is not long-lasting. Plus, they may not be beneficial in removing dental plaque or preventing tooth decay like traditional toothpastes.
How Effective is Purple Toothpaste for Whitening?
Does the purple toothpaste work? Purple toothpaste is not effective in producing long-lasting whitening effects. Most purple toothpastes only produce temporary whitening effects that last for a few hours. In addition, many purple toothpastes do not contain ingredients that target bacterial plaque removal or cavity protection.
Purple Toothpaste vs. Traditional Toothpaste
Many dental professionals caution that purple toothpaste for teeth whitening is not as effective as traditional toothpaste. Most warn that purple toothpaste should not replace traditional toothpaste, as it does not remove bacterial plaque and many not contain safe ingredients.
Alternative Methods for Teeth Whitening
Purple toothpaste is similar to many over-the-counter whitening products. Popular over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products include mouth rinses, whitening strips, whitening kits, and toothpastes.
Purple toothpaste and OTC products tend to be relatively inexpensive and can be found in many stores. However, these products do not produce long-lasting results and are much less effective in whitening than professional teeth whitening services. Professional teeth whitening, although more expensive, is safer and more effective than OTC whitening methods and purple toothpaste.
Safety and Usage Considerations
Purple toothpaste is not currently reviewed by the American Dental Association (ADA) for safety and effectiveness. At this time, more research needs to be conducted to determine the safety of this product. If using this product, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid potential complications. However, it is still possible for complications to occur with this product, including allergic reactions, gum irritation, and teeth sensitivity.
Is Purple Toothpaste Safe?
Is purple toothpaste safe? Dental professionals caution on the safety of purple toothpaste and potential side effects. The dyes in purple toothpaste may cause discoloration on oral tissues or result in allergic reactions. In addition, some users have reported that surface stains on their teeth appeared darker. It is recommended to use oral products that have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.
Best Practices for Using Purple Toothpaste
As mentioned, you should follow the manufacturer's instructions when using purple toothpaste. Many purple toothpaste brands recommend applying 2 pumps to a soft bristle toothbrush and brushing for two minutes, followed by rinsing.
Potential Risks of Purple Toothpaste Use
Using purple toothpaste may increase your risk of experiencing side effects. Common side effects that may occur include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, damage to tooth enamel or oral tissues, and teeth staining.
Choosing the Right Purple Toothpaste
Looking for the best purple toothpaste? There are many different product brands marketing purple toothpaste. These brands claim that purple toothpaste before and after use results are noteworthy. However, many dental professionals state that these products do not contain beneficial oral health ingredients and that the results are only temporary.
Factors to Consider
What is the best purple toothpaste? This question can be challenging for dental professionals. There are a variety of affordable purple toothpaste brands that offer different flavors and promote oral health benefits. However, most purple toothpastes do not contain fluoride, or other tooth-friendly ingredients that standard toothpastes have to support these claims.
Recommendations and Reviews
As the product has gained popularity, purple toothpaste reviews have popped up all over the internet. Most reviewers report notable results that last for a few hours but then disappear. As mentioned, many dental professionals express that the short-lived whitening effect is due to the purple pigments interacting with yellow-colored stains without actually removing any surface stains or changing the internal color of teeth.
Quick Review
Although trendy, the whitening effects of purple toothpaste may just be an illusion. Many dental professionals warn of the temporary brightening effects and potential harm from using purple toothpaste. In general, products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are recommended for use by dental professionals. If you are interested in teeth whitening, the best first step of action is to speak with your dental provider for the best options for your smile.
