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| - Last Updated on May 21, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A you tube video promoting a teeth whitening serum on social media claims to whiten yellow teeth without the use of peroxide, with ‘natural’ ingredients. Upon fact checking, we term this as half true.
The Claim
According to a social media post, a teeth whitening serum can magically whiten yellow teeth without using peroxide (as shared by the brand name Perfora). It claims to be safe and uses ‘natural’ ingredients.
Fact Check
Teeth whitening products are booming in the market, with numerous brands promising to deliver brighter, whiter smiles. One such product is the Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum, which claims to effectively whiten yellow teeth using innovative ingredients and theories. Let’s break down the ingredients to understand better.
What are the ingredients used?
Here is a brief description of each ingredient in the Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum:
- Aqua (Water): Used as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients.
- Sorbitol: A sweetener and humectant that helps retain moisture.
- Glycerine: Keeps the serum smooth and prevents it from drying out.
- Hydrated Silica: An abrasive that helps in cleaning and polishing teeth but can cause surface roughness if overused.
- Polysorbate 80: An emulsifier that helps blend ingredients together.
- Apple Fruit Extract: Provides flavour and may contain natural acids that help in mild exfoliation of stains.
- Peach Fruit Extract: Adds flavour and potentially aids in minor stain removal.
- Papain Enzyme: Derived from papaya, it helps break down proteins that can stain teeth.
- Bromelain Enzyme: Derived from pineapple, it aids in breaking down stains on the teeth.
- Erythritol: A sweetener that does not contribute to tooth decay.
- Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose: Acts as a thickener and stabiliser in the serum.
- Nano-hydroxyapatite: Helps in the remineralization of enamel, making teeth stronger.
- Flavour: Adds a pleasant taste to the product.
- Xylitol: A natural sweetener that reduces bacteria growth and helps prevent cavities.
- Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate: A surfactant that helps in cleansing.
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: Another surfactant that aids in foaming and cleansing.
- Menthol Crystal: Provides a cooling, refreshing sensation.
- Potassium Sorbate: A preservative that inhibits microbial growth.
- Peppermint Oil: Adds a minty flavour and freshens breath.
- Spearmint Oil: Provides a fresh flavour and cooling effect.
- CI 17200:1: A synthetic dye (Red 33) used for colouring.
- Stevia: A natural sweetener.
- CI 42090: A synthetic dye (Blue 1) used for colouring.
What are Red 33 and Blue 1 dyes?
Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum contains synthetic dyes CI 17200:1 (Red 33) and CI 42090 (Blue 1) to enhance its appearance. Red 33 provides a red colour, while Blue 1 imparts a blue hue. Both dyes are approved for use in cosmetics by regulatory bodies like the FDA and the European Commission, with concentration limits of up to 0.1% in oral care products. Here, in the ingredients list we couldn’t find the concentration mentioned. While generally safe, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, such as skin irritation or rash. Concerns about health risks arise from prolonged exposure to high concentrations. Although the risks are unlikely within regulated limits.
CI 17200:1 (Red 33) and CI 42090 (Blue 1) contribute to the aesthetic appeal of Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum, but individual sensitivities should be considered. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and seek medical advice. Always follow usage instructions and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
What is the Color Correction Theory?
Perfora claims to utilise the colour correction theory, which involves using purple pigments to neutralise yellow tones on the teeth. According to this theory, since purple is the complementary colour to yellow on the colour wheel, applying a purple tint can temporarily mask yellow discoloration.
While this can provide an immediate visual improvement, it does not remove stains or whiten teeth permanently. The effect is superficial and fades as the purple tint wears off.
What is PAP (Phthalimidoperoxycaproic Acid)?
PAP is mentioned in the brand’s product page as a primary whitening agent but is not explicitly listed in the ingredients. PAP is a relatively new compound that whitens teeth by releasing oxygen radicals, similar to how hydrogen peroxide works but with a lower risk of sensitivity and enamel damage.
If PAP is indeed present in the product, it should be transparently listed on the ingredient label. Consumers can verify its presence by contacting the manufacturer directly or checking for third-party testing results. We have contacted the manufacturer for a comment on this, we are still awaiting confirmation. As soon as we receive a response, we will be updating the information here.
Is the Perfora teeth whitening serum truly peroxide-free?
The short answer will be no. There has been a consistent concern regarding whether it is genuinely peroxide-free, despite its marketing as such. A brief investigation reveals that PubChem classifies PAP as belonging to the peroxide family. PAP is a synthetic organic peroxy acid that derives from caprolactam and phthalic anhydride. Sulfuric acid combines with hydrogen peroxide to form peroxy acid. The brand emphasises that the product is peroxide-free, using PAP instead. Although PAP is not hydrogen peroxide, it functions similarly by releasing oxygen radicals.
Is it truly 100% Effective?
Claiming 100% effectiveness is unrealistic. No teeth whitening product can guarantee complete whitening for all types of teeth and stains. The effectiveness varies based on the cause of discoloration, individual dental health, and adherence to usage instructions.
Here, by using colour correction theory, the product can conceal stains and neutralise yellow. It does not effectively remove stains. Moreover, concealed stains can lead to not seeking dental care even in cases where it’s needed. This may give rise to delayed treatments and undesirable outcomes.
Is the product enamel safe?
Perfora claims the product is enamel-safe. However, the presence of hydrated silica, an abrasive, can cause surface roughness, if overused. This can possibly lead to enamel erosion over time. While nano-hydroxyapatite can help remineralize enamel, balancing the abrasive effects, careful use is essential.
Can it whiten yellow teeth?
Yes, it may, to an extent. But the answer is not so simple. The Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum can provide temporary improvements in the appearance of yellow teeth due to the colour correction theory and the mild abrasive action of hydrated silica. Enzymes like papain and bromelain can help break down stains, and nano-hydroxyapatite supports enamel health. However, the absence of PAP on the ingredient list, despite its mentioned use, raises transparency concerns. Additionally, the colour correction theory conceals and neutralises yellow instead of actually removing the stains.
What do the dentists say?
We checked with Dr. Snigdha (BDS, MDS Oral Medicine & Diagnostic Radiology) from Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand. She says, “It’s important for patients to be careful when considering over-the-counter teeth whitening products. I advise consulting a dentist before starting any whitening treatment. Tooth discolouration can be due to various factors, including diet, smoking, medications, and underlying conditions. While OTC products may offer cosmetic improvements, they may not effectively address the main problem. These products can possibly harm oral tissues and worsen existing dental issues, especially with frequent and high-concentration use. Without proper diagnosis and guidance, patients may damage their gums or enamel. It’s essential to recognise that natural tooth colour variations are normal. And, extra white teeth may not always be achievable or desirable.”
We also checked with Dr. Pooja Sharma (BDS, MDS Orthodontics) from NIMS, Jaipur, about OTC teeth whitening products. She says, “I strongly advise consulting a dentist before use. While promising quick results, their safety varies, and not all discolourations can be treated by them alone. Applying without diagnosis can worsen conditions. Teeth naturally have a shade of yellow, excessive whitening leads to unrealistic expectations. For cosmetic enhancement, options like veneers or crowns may be better under the expertise of a dentist. Overuse of such teeth whitening products can harm oral tissues, causing gum inflammation or enamel damage. Even if you are using such products, limit their use to four weeks and seek professional advice if problems continue.”
How effective are PAP and Bromelain?
The effectiveness of PAP teeth whitening varies because some studies found it less effective than hydrogen peroxide. One study discovered that while PAP effectively removes coffee stains from teeth. But, its performance was lacking when it came to removing tea and red wine stains. Interestingly, the use of PAP actually made the appearance of teeth worse when they had tea and red wine stains.
In contrast, another study determined that hydrogen peroxide produced the most significant change in tooth colour compared to PAP and bromelain. To add more, most PAP whitening products, including this one, now include hydroxyapatite, denoted by a plus symbol as a suffix (PAP+). This addition enhances safety by not only whitening teeth but also aiding in enamel remineralization. Still, since this is a new chemical compound, there’s less research about its effectiveness and potential risks. One should also consider that individual teeth structures are different and may respond differently to the same product. This again highlights that personalised care from a dentist is always the best choice.
What are the potential risks of teeth whitening products?
Teeth whitening products, including those containing PAP and mild abrasives like hydrated silica, may pose risks to your dental health. PAP, a bleaching agent, can damage the organic parts of your teeth, weakening their structure and potentially leading to increased sensitivity and other undesirable outcomes. Similarly, while mild abrasives like hydrated silica effectively remove surface stains, excessive use can erode enamel and expose underlying dentin, causing sensitivity and other issues.
Moreover, relying solely on teeth whitening products to delay dental care can have adverse effects. Ignoring underlying dental issues while focusing on cosmetic whitening may lead to complications and worsen existing problems over time. It’s important to prioritise overall dental health and consult with a dentist to ensure a safe and effective whitening regimen. Balancing the desire for a brighter smile with maintaining dental health is crucial for long-term oral well-being.
To conclude, the Perfora Teeth Whitening Serum offers some potential benefits for teeth whitening, including short-term visual improvements and enamel support. However, its claims of being 100% effective and entirely natural are overstated. The product can help mask yellow tones and improve the appearance of teeth, but it is not a permanent solution. Consumers should use it with caution and seek professional dental advice for sustained whitening results.
We have also fact checked several oral health claims. Some of them are Can Nicotine Replacement Therapy guarantee smoking cessation? Can dental anaesthesia vaccinate people without consent? Also read our stories on: Which is the best food for teeth whitening? Can teeth whitening and oral malodor be treated at home? Can teeth whitening be done using carrot, turmeric and toothpaste in 1 minute?
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