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| - Last Updated on July 16, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook post endorses a teeth whitening product that claims it can make your teeth white by using colour correction theory. We did the fact check to term this as Mostly False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, you can make your teeth white by using a teeth whitening product, which utilises colour correction. The product theorises that colour correction can neutralise the yellowness of the teeth by using a purple colour.
Fact Check
How does colour correction work?
Colour correction is a concept used primarily in the field of makeup and visual arts. The theory is based on the colour wheel, where complementary colours neutralise each other. For example, purple is opposite yellow on the colour wheel, and when applied, it can theoretically neutralise yellow tones. This is why purple shampoos are often used to counteract yellow tones in blonde hair. The product page mentions, “Applying purple onto your teeth will neutralise the yellow undertones and cancel them, revealing a perceptively brighter shade of white.”
Can a teeth whitening product whiten your teeth by colour correction?
No, not really. The claim that a teeth whitening product can make your teeth white using colour correction theory is misleading. Even if it whitens your teeth, it will only be temporary and short term. Although the colour correction theory is scientifically valid in certain contexts, its application to teeth whitening is not yet confirmed. A 2024 study found that a novel colour-corrector serum significantly improved tooth shade, making teeth appear whiter and less yellow for up to 60 minutes without any safety issues. The product was tested on 60 human participants and proved to be effective and safe for short-term use.
Teeth discolouration is mainly due to the accumulation of stains from food, drinks, and smoking, or intrinsic factors like ageing and medication. These stains are deeply embedded in the enamel and dentin of the teeth, requiring more than just surface-level colour correction to be addressed. Hence, it cannot effectively make your teeth white, especially if the stains are intrinsic. Stains on the outside of your teeth are called extrinsic stains and are mostly a cosmetic issue. Stains inside your teeth, called intrinsic discolouration, could indicate an underlying problem.
Is there scientific evidence supporting this product?
The product in question claims to use purple colouring to neutralise the yellowish tint of teeth. However, there is no substantial scientific evidence to support that applying a purple product can effectively and permanently whiten teeth. Effective teeth whitening involves bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the enamel to remove deep-seated stains. The product claims to “conceal stains,” “improve brightness,” and “neutralise yellow.” However, these claims lack the backing of rigorous scientific research.
Does the product provide necessary information and research?
A critical look at the product page reveals a significant lack of necessary information. There is no full ingredients list provided, nor is there any mention of clinical trials or preclinical research. These omissions are concerning, as credible health and cosmetic products should be transparent about their contents and backed by scientific studies. The absence of this information undermines the credibility of the product and its claims. The product also claims that it has treated 5,00,000+ happy customers, but we were not able to find anything on their website to substantiate this statement.
What does a dental expert say?
We sought the expert opinion of Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS (Oral Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology), Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, for teeth whitening products and their efficacy. She says, “Colour correcting products might provide a temporary visual improvement, but they do not address the underlying causes of tooth discolouration. For lasting results, patients should consider products with clinically proven whitening agents.”
Dental professionals emphasise that even though you can achieve temporary cosmetic effects with coloured pastes, they do not replace the proven effectiveness of traditional whitening methods.
What should consumers be cautious about?
Consumers should be careful when they see such claims. Marketing tactics often exploit scientific-sounding theories without substantial backing. It is important to rely on products that have been rigorously tested and approved by dental associations or regulatory bodies. Checking for endorsements from reputable organisations can help determine the legitimacy of teeth whitening products.
What are the proven methods for teeth whitening?
For those seeking effective teeth whitening solutions, we recommend consulting with a dentist. Professional treatments, such as in-office bleaching, and at-home whitening kits prescribed by dentists, have a track record of safety and efficacy. Additionally, over-the-counter products with peroxide-based whitening agents can be effective, though you should use them as directed to avoid potential side effects like tooth sensitivity.
Are the product’s claims about ingredients credible?
The product advertises itself as a “non-invasive brightening treatment” with benefits such as “natural ingredients,” “deep cleansing,” “teeth whitening,” “fresh breath,” and “anti-cavities.” These claims may sound appealing, but the lack of scientific backing and detailed information about the product’s formulation raises red flags.
Furthermore, the product claims to contain ingredients like Xylitol, Hydroxyapatite Minerals, and Vitamin E. These ingredients are known for their benefits, but their effectiveness in whitening teeth through colour correction is not correct. To add more, the presence of beneficial ingredients like Xylitol and Hydroxyapatite can support overall dental health. But, the claim that purple pigments can reflect yellow tones to create a whiter appearance is largely false.
Is the product safe for use on dental work?
The product claims to be safe for use on veneers, caps, implants, bridges, and bonded teeth but recommends avoiding brushing it onto these as only natural teeth can be colour-corrected. This highlights another limitation of the product, as many individuals with dental work would find it ineffective for their needs. The product also advises checking with a dentist before use, reinforcing the need for professional guidance for dental products.
Conclusion
The claim that a teeth whitening product can whiten your teeth through colour correction is largely false. Although the concept of colour correction is valid in certain contexts, its application to teeth whitening lacks credibility. The product in question does not provide sufficient information or research backing to substantiate its claims. Always approach marketing claims carefully and seek out products having scientific validation and regulatory approval. False claims and advertisements for teeth whitening products making your teeth white is very common on the internet. Even on social media, we can find several home remedies like cinnamon and toothpaste to whiten teeth or using vaseline, coffee and toothpaste for super white teeth, but nothing can beat professional care to make your teeth whiter.
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