Brushing our teeth is an important part of our daily routine. We want our smiles to shine brightly and keep our teeth healthy. Some toothpaste companies have started making their toothpastes in fun, vibrant colors like purple. But do these colorful toothpastes actually work any better than regular old white toothpaste? Let’s investigate the claims behind purple toothpaste.
What is Purple Toothpaste?
Purple toothpaste contains all the same ingredients as regular fluoridated toothpaste – abrasives like silica or calcium carbonate to scrub away plaque, fluoride to strengthen enamel, and detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate to create foam. The only difference is the addition of an artificial dye like Blue 1 or Violet 2 to give it that regal purple color.
Some popular brands of purple toothpaste include Crest Glamorous White, Arm & Hammer Advance White, and Hello Oral Care activated charcoal toothpaste. The packaging for these types of toothpastes often boasts about “whitening,” “brightening,” or “stain removal” capabilities.
Whitening Claims
One of the main claims made by purple toothpaste companies is that it can actively whiten teeth. However, there is no good evidence to show that the colorant has any effect on whitening or removing stains.
Toothpastes can only remove surface stains from the outer enamel layer. True whitening requires penetration deeper beneath the enamel into the dentin layer. This usually requires higher concentration hydrogen peroxide gels applied by dentists.
At best, purple toothpastes may have a slight optical brightening effect by depositing a thin layer of dye particles onto the tooth surface. But this temporary effect washes away quickly.
Fluoride Content
Fluoride is arguably the most important ingredient in toothpaste. Decades of research have shown that fluoride helps prevent cavities by strengthening enamel against acid attacks.
Most purple toothpastes contain fluoride in the optimal range of 1000-1500 ppm recommended by dental associations. As long as the fluoride concentration is adequate, the color of the toothpaste does not affect the amount of fluoride delivered to the teeth.
Abrasives in Purple Toothpaste
The abrasive agents used in purple toothpastes are also no different from those found in regular toothpaste. These small particles provide the scrubbing and polishing action that removes soft plaque deposits during brushing.
Common abrasives include silica, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and alumina. Some brands use larger particles for whitening claims, but excessive abrasives can damage enamel over time.
Safety of Color Additives
The artificial dyes used to color toothpastes are approved as safe for use in food and cosmetics by the FDA. However, some people may be sensitive to dyes and experience symptoms like rashes, swelling, or breathing difficulty.
The following table summarizes the types of dyes commonly used in major purple toothpaste brands:
| Brand | Color Additive(s) |
|---|---|
| Crest Glamorous White | Red 30 Lake, Blue 1 Lake |
| Arm & Hammer Advance White | Blue 1 Lake |
| Hello Charcoal Toothpaste | Iron Oxides |
These colorants have been thoroughly tested and deemed safe at the low levels present in toothpastes. But as with any cosmetic, discontinuing use if any irritation develops is recommended.
Effectiveness of Charcoal Toothpastes
Recently, some black colored charcoal toothpastes have also gained popularity for supposed whitening benefits. However, charcoal is a highly abrasive and porous material. While it may help scrape off superficial stains, it is also more likely to damage enamel and dentin over time.
One study tested the abrasiveness of charcoal toothpastes and found they were significantly more abrasive than even regular whitening toothpastes. Their long-term use could erode enamel, causing increased sensitivity and decay issues.
Cost of Purple Toothpastes
Since purple toothpastes are marketed as being more effective than plain toothpaste, they also tend to cost more. Prices range from $3-6 per tube compared to just $1-2 for basic toothpaste.
Given that there is no evidence the colorant provides additional oral health benefits, you end up paying more for essentially the same product.
Taste and Texture
Artificial dyes can sometimes cause minor differences in taste and texture:
- Some purple toothpastes are very strongly pigmented and darker in color.
- They may taste slightly more bitter from the dye.
- The texture might feel more gritty or powdery.
However, these differences are subtle and unlikely to impact the brushing experience for most people.
Conclusion
Purple toothpaste offers no significant advantage over regular fluoridated toothpaste despite aggressive marketing claims about whitening and stain removal. The artificial colorant provides only a superficial, temporary change in tooth shade.
For the best oral hygiene at the lowest price, you are better off sticking with a basic toothpaste proven to fight cavities and strengthen enamel through fluoride. Brushing technique, flossing, and regular cleanings matter much more than the color of your toothpaste!
