Does Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste Work? Expert Opinions

Key Highlights

• Niacinamide toothpaste is getting more popular, but there is not strong proof that it can make your teeth whiter.

• The primary benefit of niacinamide is for skin care. It works on skin color, but this does not matter for teeth.

• Dentists say that to get a whiter smile, you should use proven things like hydrogen peroxide.

• Niacinamide toothpaste is likely safe for your oral health, but it should not be your main choice for whitening or stopping cavities.

• To get a brighter smile, you should practice good oral care basics and talk to your dentist. Your dentist can help you with professional whitening treatments.

Introduction

You may have seen niacinamide in the list of things that make up your skincare products. Now, it is starting to show up in toothpaste too. A lot of people on social media are saying that using niacinamide toothpaste can make your smile feel brighter and your teeth look whiter. Before you change your oral care habits or pick up a new toothpaste, you feel the need to know if niacinamide toothpaste really works. Let’s look into what dental experts say about this curious trend. We will see if it can really help with your oral health and if it is worth the try for a whiter smile.

Understanding Niacinamide in Oral Care

Niacinamide is now a top active ingredient in skincare. Because of this, people are starting to use it in oral care, too. People hope what is good for the skin, like helping with swelling and marks, will also help the teeth and gums.

Dentists say you should not make quick choices. A thing that is good for your skin will not always be good for your teeth. Let’s see what niacinamide is and why so many people now want to use it for teeth whitening.

What Is Niacinamide and How Is It Used in Toothpaste?

Niacinamide, which you may also hear called nicotinamide, is a kind of vitamin B3 that the body needs to work as it should, according to the National Cancer Institute. You get it from things like meat, eggs, and dietary supplements. This nutrient helps your health in many ways, but most people talk about how good it is for your skin.

When you use creams or serums with niacinamide, it is one of the only skincare ingredients that really works according to lots of research. It can help make dark spots look lighter by preventing extra pigment from forming. It can help fight the bacteria that causes acne. It can help calm skin when you have problems like eczema.

Now, this strong active ingredient is being added to niacinamide toothpaste formulas made with natural ingredients. Some brands hope the ingredient can bring its brightening and anti-inflammatory benefits from skincare to oral care. The idea is to give people a new way to take care of their teeth and gums. But scientific proof for this working in oral health is still limited.

Why Has Niacinamide Gained Popularity for Whitening Teeth?

The hype about niacinamide toothpaste comes from social media, particularly in a small, yet seemingly growing corner of the internet. On there, content creators show off what looks like quick results. They say that if niacinamide helps make skin brighter, it might also help give a whiter smile. This idea is simple and now many people want to use it to get pearly whites for themselves.

The use of niacinamide has become more popular. This is because many people know about its good effects in skincare, including the reduction in the production of cytokines. They hope it will help with oral hygiene too. There are several reasons why more people are using it now:

• Skin Brightening Effects: People know that it can help make skin tone more even. So, many believe that it might also help remove tooth stains.

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many hope that it can calm gums. This is because it helps cool irritated skin.

• Antibacterial Potential: People see that it fights the bacteria that cause acne. So, they think it could help fight the oral bacteria in the mouth.

Even though there is a lot of excitement, dentists say we should be careful. Dr. Diana Nguyen says that things that help with skin might not help with teeth. The way our teeth work is different from our skin. There is also little research about oral health when it comes to these claims.

How Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste Claims to Work

The main reason people talk about niacinamide toothpaste is to get a bright smile by cleaning off surface stains and ensuring fresh breath. You may see brands and social media say this toothpaste helps your teeth be whiter you can see. A few products say they help stop cavities, and they be good for gum health too. It sounds like an all-in-one oral care choice for your teeth and gums.

These ideas come from how well the ingredient works in skin care. People hope that its power to fight swelling and germs can help with oral health in a way that is soft but works well. But do these ideas stand up to what we know from science? Let us look at how it is said to work and see if there are any other good things it can do.

Mechanism Behind Niacinamide’s Whitening Effects

Many people think that niacinamide can make teeth whiter. This is not true and comes from confusion about how teeth and skin get their color. In skincare, niacinamide helps stop the cells that make color, called melanocytes, from moving color to the outermost layer of skin. This can make dark spots lighter and, interestingly, it also relates to the role of cytokines—a kind of protein involved in regulating various bodily functions.

Your teeth do not have any melanin. The color change in teeth comes from different things. Here are the main reasons you feel the smile is not bright:

• Surface Stains: These happen when you drink things like coffee, tea, or red wine. They stay on the surface of the tooth.

• Plaque Buildup: Not taking care of your teeth well can make bacteria and plaque build up on the surface of the tooth. Poor oral hygiene is usually the cause.

• Enamel Thinning: Over time, tooth enamel can become thin. When this happens, the yellow layer under it starts to show more.

Teeth do not have melanin. In skin, niacinamide acts on melanin. That is why dentists like Dr. Nguyen say that niacinamide toothpaste is not likely to make teeth whiter. The way things work for teeth whitening is not the same as in skin.

Other Potential Dental Benefits of Niacinamide

While some people are not sure if it really whitens teeth, niacinamide might still be good for oral care. Niacinamide is known to help with swelling and fights bacteria. These things can be good for your overall oral health.

One lab test from 2022 showed that niacinamide may slow down some bacteria in the context of teeth. These bacteria can cause cavities. The study also said that niacinamide has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help with gum health. Some of the possible benefits are:

• Reduced Gum Inflammation: It may help soothe gums. This can lower bleeding or sensitivity when you brush.

• Cavity Prevention: It can help stop the bacteria that cause cavities.

• Improved Gum Health: When you lower inflammation, gums get healthier as time goes on.

It is good to keep in mind that you should take this with a grain of salt. There is little research on how gums soak up niacinamide from toothpaste. The bacteria study did not test human participants. So, we need more studies to know if this helps people.

Scientific Evidence on Niacinamide Toothpaste Effectiveness

There is not much strong proof that niacinamide toothpaste works. Most people on social media talk about it, but real scientific studies are missing. There are no good studies that say niacinamide can make your teeth white. Right now, most claims about it come from what others say online, and not from solid clinical research.

There is not enough proof, so many people who work in dental care find it hard to support it. The ingredient has been tested a lot for skin, but not much for oral care. No one can say for sure if it works in this area. Let’s look at what is out there and what experts think about these claims.

Studies and Research Supporting Whitening Claims

If you want strong proof from science that niacinamide toothpaste can make your teeth whiter, you will not find it. There is not much research about this, and the studies you do find do not use human participants. Because of this, you cannot be sure that the whitening that people show in online videos is true.

One study from 2022 looked at niacinamide and how it might be used in oral care. The study checked to see if niacinamide could slow down the growth of a species of bacteria that cause cavities. But, it was done in a lab and not on real people. Matthew Crystal, DMD, said the results are early steps. So, we do not yet know if it helps with teeth whitening.

Here is a simple look at the claims and what science says about them now:

Claim	Scientific Evidence
Whitens Teeth	No robust scientific evidence or clinical trials on humans.
Fights Cavity-Causing Bacteria	One lab study suggests potential, but no human studies confirm this.
Reduces Gum Inflammation	Theoretically possible due to its known anti-inflammatory properties, but not studied in oral care.

Expert Opinions from Dental Professionals in the U.S.

Dental professionals in the U.S. feel unsure about niacinamide toothpaste. They think more research is needed on how it works. Dr. Matthew Crystal, a dentist in New Jersey, says there is not enough strong proof yet to show that niacinamide toothpaste can change tooth color, and that this idea seems somewhat out of left field.

Experts say people often get this wrong because they don't get how the ingredient works. Dr. Diana Nguyen at the University of California, San Francisco, says the way it brightens skin, unlike those fancy lights, is not how it works on tooth enamel. The main point from the experts is simple:

• Don't Rely on It: Dentists say not to trust niacinamide if you want whitening or to stop cavities.

• Wait for Research: Dr. Anukriti Gupta from Northwell Health Physician Partners says we need to wait for more research.

• Stick to Proven Methods: If you want safe whitening, go to a dentist’s office or use products that have been checked by the American Dental Association.

Comparing Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste to Other Whitening Products

When you are in the oral care aisle, you will find plenty of alternatives to niacinamide toothpaste. Many people have trusted these for years. Some traditional whitening products have ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The two of them have been shown to work well. So, how does the new trend of niacinamide toothpaste compare to these older options?

To compare them, you need to look at the active ingredients. You should also see how they work and what you can really expect from them. Let’s look at the main differences, as well as the good and bad points of each one.

Differences Between Niacinamide and Traditional Whitening Ingredients

The main difference between niacinamide and things like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is in how they work. Traditional whitening agents such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are bleaching agents. They work from the inside out.

Dr. Nguyen says that hydrogen peroxide breaks up the stain inside your teeth. When this happens, your tooth looks lighter. Carbamide peroxide does almost the same thing. When it touches your saliva, it turns into hydrogen peroxide. Many people in the general public think this is a gentler way to whiten teeth.

On the other hand, there is not much science to show that niacinamide can make teeth more white. Here are the main ways they are different:

• Proven Action: There is proof that hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide can make tooth color lighter. Studies show these work by a chemical process.

• Unproven Claims: People say niacinamide can make teeth whiter, but there is no real science or strong proof to back this up yet.

• Source of Action: Peroxides help remove stains deep inside the teeth. Niacinamide is said to help with stains on the outside, but even this idea is not backed by good proof.

Pros and Cons Compared to Leading Whitening Toothpastes

When you pick a whitening toothpaste, you need to think about the good and bad points. Niacinamide toothpaste is getting noticed these days. It is key to check how it stacks up against other top products that show real results.

For niacinamide toothpaste, there are not many good points and even those are just guesses. People say it may be gentle, but no one can be sure. The main problem with it is that there is not enough proof that niacinamide toothpaste can really make your tooth color different.

Here is how they compare to regular whitening toothpastes:

• Niacinamide Toothpaste: Pro: It might be gentle for people with sensitive teeth, but this is not confirmed. Con: The is no science showing that it changes your tooth color.

• Traditional Whitening Toothpaste (with peroxides): Pro: It is scientifically proven to make tooth color lighter. Con: When shopping for your next tube, it can cause tooth sensitivity for some people.

• Abrasive Whitening Toothpaste: Pro: It works well for clean-up of surface stains. Con: If it is too rough, it can wear down tooth enamel.

If you want to see a clear change in tooth color, it is best to use regular whitening toothpastes. These work well for this goal.

Safety Considerations for Daily Use

When there is a new oral care product that gets popular, people often want to know if it is safe for daily use. In general, using niacinamide in skincare or taking it in the right amount is believed to be safe. So, if you use a toothpaste with this in it, it is not likely to harm you.

There is not enough research on the long-term effects this has on oral health. This is even more true for people with sensitive teeth. You might feel some side effects, so it is best to think about these first. Try to use general safe practices when it comes to whitening.

Potential Side Effects of Niacinamide in Toothpaste

Since niacinamide toothpaste is new in oral care, there is not much information about side effects when you use it in your mouth. In skin products, niacinamide is gentle. Still, people do not know much about what happens when you use it in the mouth.

One thing to think about with whitening toothpaste is how rough it can be. A toothpaste whitens because it scrubs stains off your teeth. But if this is too strong, it can hurt your tooth enamel. You need to look at the "relative dentin abrasivity" or RDA number before you use it. A toothpaste with an RDA of 250 or less is safe for daily use and poses the lowest risk to your tooth enamel.

Possible points to think about when it comes to safety include:

• Abrasiveness: A toothpaste with a high RDA value may wear down your tooth enamel, no matter what the active ingredient is.

• Gum Irritation: A new ingredient might bother your gum health, even if it's not common.

• Unknown Long-Term Effects: No studies mean we do not know the long-term impact on sensitive teeth, oral health, and overall oral health.

Dentist Recommendations for Safe Whitening Practices

Dentists say that if you want a whiter smile, you should start with basic oral care, straight from the mouths of dentists. Taking care of your teeth every day is the best way to fight stains and keep them from turning yellow. Before you try any new products, make sure your oral care habits are strong.

Dr. Nguyen says that keeping up with the basics of dental hygiene is still very important at Main Street Dental. This means you should brush your teeth two times every day. Use a fluoride toothpaste. You also need to floss often. Don’t forget to go in for regular professional dental cleanings.

For safe whitening when you are at home, dentists say you should do these things:

• Consult Your Dentist: It is good to talk with your dentist before you begin any new way to whiten your teeth. The dentist can tell you if your teeth and gums are healthy.

• Check the RDA Value: Pick a toothpaste that has an RDA value of 250 or below. This helps keep your enamel safe.

• Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the directions on any whitening product. This helps you stay away from sensitivity or harm.

Brands and User Experiences in the United States

The trend of niacinamide toothpaste is growing because of social media. Many content creators, especially on TikTok, talk about the first suggested term of different toothpaste brands. They often share positive customer reviews and say they got a whiter smile very fast. These videos and posts can be interesting to watch, but remember they are just personal stories. They do not take the place of real science or facts.

Many people like these products, and because of that, more brands are coming into the market. But, it can be tough to check if the product information you get is true. Most people talk about these products using reviews or posts, not from dental experts. A lot of users feel good about what they got, but what they say does not show if the whitening science actually works.

Popular Niacinamide Whitening Toothpaste Brands and Customer Reviews

While some brands of niacinamide toothpaste are getting a lot of attention on social media, experts from places like Garden City in New Jersey and the University of California have not given their support. Most people are talking about these brands because of reviews from their regular customers.

Many reviews say these products give people a whiter smile. Some say you can see changes after just one use. Still, these claims are not proven by studies done on people. It can be hard to tell if the results are real. Lighting in videos or the way people feel after using it can also change what you see.

Here's what the trend looks like:

• Viral Popularity: Hashtags like #niacinamidetoothpaste get millions of views on TikTok and other social apps.

• User Testimonials: A lot of people share good before-and-after videos and say they get good results.

• Lack of Expert Endorsement: Even with all the talk online, dental professionals do not agree because there is no solid product information or research yet.

In the end, many people who use the product feel good about their results. But, their customer reviews are not always a reliable way to know if the product works well.

Conclusion

Niacinamide whitening toothpaste is getting noticed. The good news is people see it may help brighten their teeth and give extra dental benefits. It does not work the same way as most whitening agents. Experts talk about how well it works and if it is safe. User opinions are different, but some people may find using niacinamide in oral care helpful. Still, you should ask your dentist if this toothpaste is right for you. If you want to learn more or see how niacinamide can change your oral health routine, feel free to ask for a free consult with our dental experts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does niacinamide toothpaste produce fast whitening results?

While some people say they get fast results, there is no scientific product information to show the efficacy of the active ingredients for niacinamide toothpaste. Getting a brighter smile often takes time. If you read claims about a quick step to whiter teeth, it might be exaggerated or come from other factors.

Can niacinamide toothpaste help with issues beyond whitening?

Yes, niacinamide may help with gum health and oral health. This is because it has things in it that fight swelling and germs. These could give you some of the numerous benefits. But there are no clear oral care studies that prove this. So, niacinamide should not take the place of things you already use to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What do dental professionals on social media say about niacinamide toothpastes?

Some people who make content on social media talk about using niacinamide toothpaste. But many dental professionals do not agree with them. They say there is not enough evidence of its oral benefits. In fact, relying on it could be a good idea is misleading, as what works on skin may not be good for your teeth. These dental experts say you should use methods that are proven instead.