Does Purple Toothpaste Work? The Truth Behind the Trend

If you have ever struggled with teeth that are not quite bright enough, you might have attempted whitening techniques. Brightening teeth is not a new method, but purple toothpastes are. They may be the newest craze in teeth whitening products to hit the market.

Let's examine what makes purple toothpaste unique, the science behind it, and whether you should try it.

Purple toothpaste: what is it?

Purple toothpaste contains color-correcting pigments to potentially counteract the yellow shade. It was developed from a similar theory to purple shampoo. The shampoo uses purple colors to combat yellow hues in blonde hair. The same concept was applied to develop purple toothpaste, with the aim to mask the yellow undertone in teeth.

Purple toothpaste utilizes what brands call dental color-correcting technology to potentially make teeth appear brighter. Toothpaste companies use FDA-approved synthetic colorants to give the toothpaste its bluish-purple hue.  

Color-correcting technology starts with a simple, scientific tool — the color wheel. Purple is directly opposite yellow on the color wheel, making them complementary colors. According to the color theory, when complementary colors are mixed, they create either white or black. Alas, the purple color in this toothpaste neutralizes the tooth’s yellow tones, making teeth appear brighter and whiter.

Does purple toothpaste work?

Purple toothpaste is not a typical whitening product. It uses color-correcting technology to alter the appearance of surface stains on your teeth. Therefore, it does not actually remove the stains or change your teeth in any way. It simply gives the illusion of white teeth. The active ingredients reach the stains on the teeth and mask the yellow dental color.

Using purple toothpaste can make teeth appear brighter. However, the color is simply a topical application that is temporary. You can expect results to last from a few hours or up to a day. If you want a longer-lasting color change, you may want to try natural teeth whitening techniques or see your dentist for professional teeth whitening.

Is purple toothpaste safe?

Purple toothpaste is generally safe for daily use, as they're usually without harsh chemicals and abrasives. However, there are few risks for adverse reactions. If you have a known allergy to food coloring or dyes, be sure to check the ingredients before using. Also, carefully read and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to minimize any potential risks.

Although purple toothpaste does not stain teeth, it can stain your sink, towels, or clothes. So, use caution when brushing with purple toothpaste for whitening. Be sure to rinse your sink thoroughly after using it. If staining does occur on your sink or clothing, a thorough scrubbing should lighten the stains.

Most teeth whitening products are considered safe with occasional use, however some products can increase the risks of:

Purple whitening toothpaste pros and cons

Dental color correction does not alter the tooth color itself. Instead, the tiny color particles in the toothpaste temporarily mask the yellow hues in enamel, making teeth appear whiter.

As normal activities like eating and drinking continue, the color change will fade. Therefore, most purple toothpaste brands recommend using the toothpaste 1–2 times daily. This helps to prolong the dental color-correcting effect.

Most importantly, purple toothpaste usually does not contain fluoride or other cavity preventing ingredients. Therefore, it is important to maintain cavity protection. The American Dental Association recommends using toothpaste with fluoride to reduce the risk of cavities and protect your teeth. According to dental hygienist Mollye Cobb with Arnold Dental Practice, using purple toothpaste is fine for temporary whitening, but most people still need the cavity protection of fluoride. She states, " What good is having white teeth with cavities?"

Established ways to whiten your teeth

While purple toothpaste works temporarily to whiten teeth, other teeth-whitening products may have more lasting results. Teeth whitening typically can be done in a dental office or at home using chemical whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and related compounds. Over-the-counter products are available as well. Let's take a closer look at each method.

In-office whitening

In-office bleaching is often referred to as power bleaching because it uses a high-concentration solution of peroxide for only 20–30 minutes. The results are faster than other methods and can be seen after one treatment. Multiple treatments can provide more dramatic teeth whitening. The higher concentration of peroxide can be harmful to soft tissue, therefore, special care is needed to protect the gums, lips, and tongue during the procedure.

At-home whitening

At-home whitening usually consists of pre-filled whitening strips or custom trays that you load with gel before each use. Both come in over-the-counter or professional teeth whitening concentrations. There are also gels that are directly applied to the surface of the teeth. Whitening strips and trays are typically used for 7–14 days. Although, some may notice a significant difference in only a few days.

Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste uses abrasives and detergents as the main ingredients to lighten teeth. Some may even have a low concentration of peroxide to help with teeth staining. However, it is important to use caution when choosing a whitening toothpaste. Highly abrasive toothpaste can damage teeth as it removes the outer part of the enamel as well as stains. This makes whitening toothpaste highly controversial as it only lightens tooth color by one or two shades.

Purple toothpaste may be the next whitening fad, but it is crucial to understand how purple toothpaste works. So, if you are looking for a quick and simple fix, you should try it. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages, and with a minor risk of side effects, why not give it a chance? Purple toothpaste may be the fastest way to whiter teeth you have ever tried — just don't expect the results to last.