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 that purple toothpaste really 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 Hismile actually 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."
Is there a whitening toothpaste that actually works? ›
The Pronamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste from Sensodyne not only performed well during our test but New York-based dentist and dental professor Carla Tornatore DDS recommends it. The unique formula removes stains, prevents cavities, and strengthens teeth at the same time.
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.
What do dentists say about purple toothpaste? ›
The Purple Toothpaste Novelty
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.
Is purple toothpaste FDA approved? ›
This Power of Purple ("POP") color technology is proprietary and made solely of FDA approved pigments. Brushing with POPWHITE toothpaste and rinsing with POPWHITE oral rinse leaves a small number of purple micro-particles on the surface of teeth and in between dental enamel rods.
Does Kim Kardashian use HiSmile? ›
The star has let the public know that she is so into keeping her teeth clean and white that she brushes up to four times a day with a Burst Oral Care toothbrush, and that she has began to pass down her love of oral care to her children thanks to the yummy flavors of HiSmile's Flavored toothpastes.
What are the negative effects of HiSmile? ›
These effects are most commonly tooth hypersensitivity (often referred to as 'zingers'), and soft tissue (gum) irritation. Whitening at the dentist can definitely mitigate these side reactions, but not always guarantee they won't occur.
Does HiSmile work on really yellow teeth? ›
It's essential to clarify that this product does not whiten your teeth with continued use; instead, it serves as a temporary fix to cancel out yellow tones and enhance your smile for a few hours.
The best way to whiten teeth by removing stains is whitening toothpaste and an electric toothbrush. For more dramatic results, the best teeth whitening method is a custom-fitted whitening gel tray. While many people aim for the sparkliest smile they can achieve, whiter teeth don't actually equal healthier teeth.
What product actually whitens teeth? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
How effective is purple toothpaste? ›
Instead of removing stains from teeth, purple toothpaste color-corrects yellowness which creates an optical illusion of a whiter smile. Dentists say that purple dental products are a gimmick and won't benefit your dental health.
Is hismile worth it? ›
Hismile is appreciated for its unique and enjoyable toothpaste flavors and effective teeth whitening serums. However, it's criticized for slow shipping times, poor customer service, and the temporary effect of some whitening products.
Can you use Hismile toothpaste everyday? ›
Yes, all of our Hismile Toothpastes are perfect to be used as your everyday toothpaste! We have included the highest quality ingredients to provide a superior clean and long-lasting oral health benefits.
Does Colgate purple Reveal work? ›
It's efficacy is clinically proven to remove up to 100% of surface stains** caused by food and drink and is enamel-safe for daily use.
Does the V34 purple toothpaste work? ›
I used this product, as directed (30 second brush once a day, not replacing my normal toothpaste routine). I had noticeable results after one use, and every day I use it, I see a whiter smile. I don't think it makes that much of a mess either, especially if you ever brushed with charcoal powder.
Does purple shampoo really whiten teeth? ›
This is a similar theory to that of purple shampoo, which people use to combat brassy or yellow tones in blond or gray hair. While it may be effective in making your teeth appear brighter or whiter for a short time, it does not actually remove any stains from your teeth.
