Does Purple Toothpaste Really Work? 

As if there weren’t already enough toothpaste options to choose from, there’s now a relatively new addition to consider. In recent years, thanks to the help of social media, a new player has entered the dental hygiene scene – purple toothpaste. Claiming to offer a host of benefits, most notably advanced stain removal and the ability to whiten teeth, purple toothpaste has piqued the interest of many. But what does your dentist in Charlottesville have to say, and does it really work? 

A Look at the Ingredients

Before we dive into whether purple toothpaste works or not, it’s essential to understand why it’s purple in the first place and how its ingredients differ from other toothpastes. Purple toothpaste gets its distinctive color from the inclusion of specific ingredients such as activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide, and various natural extracts. 

• Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal has gained popularity for its purported ability to absorb toxins and stains. In toothpaste, it’s claimed to help remove surface stains from teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.
• Hydrogen Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent that can whiten teeth. Purple toothpaste often contains a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than the professional teeth-whitening products you’d get from your dentist in Charlottesville, often making it less effective.
• Natural Extracts – Purple toothpaste often incorporates natural extracts like blueberry and lavender, which are rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants may help combat the harmful effects of free radicals in the mouth and promote gum health.

The Claims

Purple toothpaste manufacturers make several key claims about their products, while some differ from others. Some of the claims include:

Whitening

Purple toothpaste is marketed as an effective solution for removing surface stains and whitening teeth. Activated charcoal and hydrogen peroxide are touted as the primary ingredients responsible for this.

Gum Health

Some purple toothpaste brands claim that their products can improve gum health. This claim is attributed to the natural extracts and antioxidants present in the toothpaste.

Fresh Breath

The addition of natural extracts, like lavender, is said to provide a fresh and pleasant breath after brushing.

The Science Behind Purple Toothpaste

While the claims surrounding purple toothpaste sound promising, it’s crucial to assess these assertions through scientific research. 

Whitening by Charcoal & Hydrogen Peroxide

While activated charcoal has been shown to have some surface stain-removing properties, its effectiveness in whitening teeth may vary among individuals and may be short-lived. Hydrogen peroxide, on the other hand, is a proven teeth-whitening agent. However, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in purple toothpaste is generally lower than what’s found in professional whitening products, which may result in slower or less dramatic whitening effects.

Improved Gum Healthy with Natural Extracts & Antioxidants

Natural extracts and antioxidants in purple toothpaste can benefit gum health by reducing inflammation and combating harmful bacteria. However, the extent of improvement may be limited, and individual results can vary.

Fresher Breath by Natural Extracts

The addition of natural extracts like lavender can contribute to fresher breath. However, the effectiveness of purple toothpaste in this regard is comparable to many conventional toothpaste brands that also contain breath-freshening ingredients.

So, does purple toothpaste really work? The answer is a bit of a gray area. So much so that some professionals believe that purple toothpaste simply uses color theory to “trick” us into seeing a whiter smile. For example, mixing purple and yellow (which are complementary colors) can give the appearance of white since purple can counteract yellow. 

While purple toothpaste can provide some benefits, the extent of them may vary from person to person, and they might not be as effective as specialized dental products. As with any dental product, it’s essential to consult with your dentist and choose a toothpaste that aligns with your specific oral health needs and goals.

If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, we recommend a professional whitening treatment from your dentist in Charlottesville as it will deliver faster, longer lasting, more noticeable results. For gum health and fresh breath, a consistent oral hygiene routine that includes regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash can be equally effective.

About The Author

Dr. Jack T. Kayton

Dr. Jack T. Kayton has served families in Charlottesville and surrounding areas since 1994 through his general and family dentistry private practice. Believing that everyone deserves quality dental care, he donates his time to worthy causes. He volunteers at the Donated Dental Service and the Charlottesville Free Clinic. His professional affiliations include the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, among others.

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