Does Purple Toothpaste Work? (And Can It Damage Your Teeth?)

Yes, purple toothpaste works but only by making your teeth look whiter for a short time. It doesn’t actually remove stains or change the real color of your teeth, and it won’t harm them if used the right way.

Now, if you have seen those viral videos where someone brushes with purple toothpaste and suddenly flashes a glowing white smile, you are not alone. The trend looks impressive. But is it real? Is it safe? And more importantly… should you be using it?

We will break down what purple toothpaste actually does, how it works on your teeth, and when it makes sense to use it (and when it doesn’t).

What Is Purple Toothpaste?

Purple toothpaste looks just like regular toothpaste, but it’s purple. It became popular on TikTok and Instagram because it claims to make your teeth look whiter right away.

The most famous one is from Hismile, but now even Colgate has a purple toothpaste version. They all work the same basic way, by using a trick called color correction.

How Does Purple Toothpaste Work?

Purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel. If your teeth look yellow, purple helps cancel out that yellow tone, just like purple shampoo does for blonde hair.

So, when you brush with purple toothpaste, it adds a thin purple tint that hides the yellow. This creates an optical illusion. Your teeth look whiter but they are not actually any cleaner or brighter underneath.

This is why the effect is temporary. It goes away once the tint fades or you eat or drink something.

Does Purple Toothpaste Actually Whiten Your Teeth?

No, not in the true sense of whitening. Real whitening happens when stains are lifted or the enamel color is actually lightened. Purple toothpaste doesn’t do either.

It doesn’t bleach, clean, or change anything under the surface. It just changes how your teeth look by using color contrast to make them seem whiter.

Is It Safe? Can It Damage Your Teeth?

If you use purple toothpaste once in a while, it’s safe. But if you use it daily and stop brushing with regular toothpaste or skip dentist visits, you could start to harm your teeth, because: 

• Some purple pastes don’t have fluoride. That means they don’t protect your enamel.
• Overusing anything that’s not a full toothpaste can lead to plaque buildup.
• You might think your teeth are white, but underneath, they are not being cleaned properly.

So, the paste itself isn’t dangerous but the way you use it could lead to problems.

How Long Does the Whitening Effect Last?

Usually just a few hours. If you eat or drink right after using it, the effect might disappear even sooner.

That’s why people use it before photos, dates, or events. It gives a short-term boost, not long-term change.

Potential Side Effects of Purple Toothpaste

Most people won’t feel any side effects from purple toothpaste. But here are a few things to know:

• Some people get gum irritation, especially if they brush hard or use it too often.
• If your mouth feels dry or sore after using it, stop.
• Always check the ingredients. Some cheap versions have harsh dyes or chemicals.

As always, talk to your dentist if you are unsure.

What About Colgate Purple Toothpaste?

Colgate’s version is similar to Hismile. It’s meant for color correction, not deep whitening.

Colgate adds a bit more fluoride, which helps protect enamel. But again, it’s mostly for the look, not for real whitening.

Best Purple Toothpaste?

There’s no one “best” option. But look for one that:

• Has fluoride to protect your teeth.
• Doesn’t contain abrasive particles.
• Is approved by dental professionals.

Some popular ones include:

• Hismile V34 Color Corrector
• Colgate Optic White Purple
• Other TikTok viral versions (but check their labels carefully)

Before and After Results: What to Expect

So, what really happens after you use purple toothpaste?

• Right after brushing, teeth look brighter and less yellow.
• It doesn’t change the natural shade of your teeth at all. The effect is purely on the surface and only temporary.
• Most of the time, the results fade within a few hours, especially if you eat or drink afterward.

What Do Dentists Say?

Many dentists warn people not to rely on purple toothpaste. They are cautious about purple toothpaste and for good reason, because: 

• It doesn’t remove stains or clean plaque.
• It can give a false sense of improvement.
• Some people skip professional care thinking the toothpaste is enough.

Some people start using it regularly and skip proper brushing or professional dental cleanings, thinking the toothpaste is doing more than it really is. That’s where the risk comes in.

Dentists recommend using it only occasionally, and not as a replacement for real whitening or daily brushing. And make sure the toothpaste you are using is not expired, that matters more than most people think.

If you truly want whiter teeth, you need a professional whitening treatment.

Can Yellow Teeth Become White Again?

Yes, but not with purple toothpaste.

Real whitening happens when a product or treatment reaches below the enamel surface and removes deep stains.

Professional treatments can:

• Use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide safely.
• Give longer-lasting and visible results.
• Be tailored to your tooth health and color.

At PVPD, professional cosmetic dentistry services can help with that.

What Does Kim Kardashian Use to Whiten Her Teeth?

She reportedly uses custom whitening treatments, often done by a cosmetic dentist.

You won’t find these in a store or online, they are only done by professionals. They use stronger ingredients that are carefully applied, making them both safer and more effective than anything you can buy off the shelf.

Why Do Some Dentists Say No to Whitening Toothpaste?

Most whitening toothpastes have abrasive particles such as Charcol that scrub off stains. Over time, these can wear down your enamel.

That’s why many dentists prefer professional whitening, which is safer and more controlled.

Final Thoughts

Purple toothpaste is not a scam, but it’s also not a real whitening treatment. It helps for quick fixes, like photos or events, but it won’t change your natural tooth color.

If you want a safe, healthy, and real way to whiten your teeth, talk to a dentist. Don’t skip proper brushing or fall for viral trends that promise fast results.

Want Real Whitening? Skip the Gimmicks.

Quick fixes fade fast. If you want a whiter, healthier smile, it’s worth seeing a professional who does it right.

At PVPD, cosmetic dentistry is what we do every day and we do it with care, precision, and long-term results in mind. Our custom whitening treatments don’t just give you a quick boost, they make your smile brighter in a safe and lasting way.

People Also Ask

Can I use purple toothpaste every day?

It’s not a good idea to use purple toothpaste every day. Dentists recommend using it just once or twice a week, and always in addition to your regular fluoride toothpaste, not as a replacement.

Does purple toothpaste remove stains?

Purple toothpaste works more like a color corrector; it masks the yellow tones on your teeth using the opposite color (purple) to make them appear whiter. It won’t get rid of deep stains caused by things like coffee, red wine, or tobacco. Those need real whitening treatments or professional cleaning.

Is purple toothpaste better than regular whitening toothpaste?

Not really, they serve different purposes. Whitening toothpastes use mild abrasives or chemicals to help remove surface stains over time. Purple toothpaste doesn’t do that. It just changes how your teeth look by altering the color you see. 

Can children use purple toothpaste?

It’s best to ask your dentist first. Most purple toothpastes are designed for adults and may contain dyes, ingredients, or flavoring agents that aren’t suitable for children. Also, kids need fluoride toothpaste to strengthen their enamel, which many purple products don’t provide.

Will purple toothpaste work on crowns or veneers?

No, it won’t have the same effect. Purple toothpaste is made for natural teeth and only alters the appearance of the outer color. Crowns, veneers, and other dental restorations don’t respond to color correction the same way, so you likely won’t see any change at all.