Toothpaste Color Codes: The Internet Myth Debunked

The internet is full of myths that have been promoted as fact, with one of the longer-running ones being the myth of the toothpaste color codes. This myth claims that specific colors on the bottom of your toothpaste tube secretly communicate the types of ingredients in it, and in this article, we explain why that’s not the case. Read on to learn about the toothpaste color codes myth, what the colored squares on your toothpaste tube actually mean, how to identify toothpaste ingredients, and more.

Toothpaste Color Codes Hoax Explained

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An illustration of the toothpaste color codes, what the myth says they mean, and what they're actually for.

The toothpaste color code hoax claims the colored squares on the bottom of toothpaste tubes secretly refer to the ingredients in the toothpaste. It has been debunked, though, with the colors actually assisting in cutting and sealing the tube during manufacturing. According to the myth, the codes are as follows:

Green: All-natural ingredients
Blue: Natural ingredients with medicine
Red: Natural ingredients with chemicals
Black: Pure chemicals

Section 1 of 7:

What is the toothpaste color code myth?

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An online myth claims that toothpaste tubes are color-coded based on ingredients. For over a decade, the toothpaste color code myth has been circulating online, claiming that the small colored squares on the bottom or sides of your toothpaste tube represent the kinds of ingredients used in the toothpaste. While these claims aren’t true, they’re still widely popular, with the specific code reading as follows: ^{[1]
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- Green: All-natural ingredients
- Blue: Natural ingredients with some added medicine
- Red: Natural ingredients with chemicals
- Black: Pure chemicals

Section 2 of 7:

Toothpaste Color Codes Meaning

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The colors are really an eye mark for manufacturing machines. The colored squares on the bottoms and sides of toothpaste tubes are eye marks that tell the light sensors that aid in manufacturing where to cut and seal the tube so that it’s packaged properly. The colors don’t have any particular meaning, either; manufacturers just tend to use different ones.^{[2]
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- Some manufacturers use colors that aren’t in the mythical toothpaste color codes, and others don’t use colors at all.

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How to Identify Toothpaste Ingredients

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Check the ingredient label on the toothpaste’s box or tube. To identify your toothpaste ingredients without falling for the myth, check the packaging. Depending on the toothpaste you’re using, the ingredients may be listed on the tube itself or the packaging it came in. What’s certain is that it isn’t identified by different colors at the bottom of the tube.
- In the United States, toothpaste companies are required by law to list their toothpaste’s ingredients on the packaging.^{[3]
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  US Food and Drug Administration
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Section 4 of 7:

Standard Toothpaste Ingredients

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Humectants like glycerol, propylene glycol, and sorbitol are added to toothpaste to minimize water loss and prevent your toothpaste from crusting over when exposed to air.^{[4]
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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health

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Abrasive agents Toothpaste contains modified silica abrasives or enzymes that help clean the teeth and physically remove surface stains, which can help whiten your teeth. Some of the abrasive agents often used in toothpaste include:^{[5]
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American Dental Association
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- Calcium carbonate
- Dehydrated silica gels
- Hydrated aluminum oxides
- Magnesium carbonate
- Phosphate salts
- Silicates
To help keep your toothpaste together and stabilize the product, thickening agents and binders such as mineral or seaweed colloids, natural gums, or synthetic cellulose are often included.^{[6]
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American Dental Association
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Flavoring agents and non-caloric sweeteners are used in toothpaste for that minty fresh flavor. Don’t worry about sugar being in your toothpaste, either, as the American Dental Association doesn’t permit toothpastes that use it. So, as long as your toothpaste is ADA-accepted, it uses flavoring agents and non-caloric sweeteners.^{[7]
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American Dental Association
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Detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium N-lauryl sarcosinate are responsible for the foaming effect of toothpaste. This foaming action can help keep your plaque and accretions soluble (able to be dissolved) as you brush your teeth.^{[8]
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American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health

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Board-certified dentist Tu Anh Vu, DMD, says that fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that helps prevent cavities by re-mineralizing the enamel, which is very important for the health of your teeth. Dr. Vu suggests using toothpaste with fluoride due to its prevention capabilities.^{[9]
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Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

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Section 5 of 7:

Types of Toothpaste

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Whitening toothpaste uses chemical or abrasive ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and hydrated silica to break down and prevent stains on your teeth.^{[10]
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Sensitive teeth Toothpaste for sensitive teeth uses a desensitizing agent like potassium nitrate or strontium chloride to calm your nerves and prevent the sharp pains you get when you make contact with things your teeth may be sensitive to, like coffee or ice cream. So if you’ve been looking for a toothpaste that doesn’t hurt your mouth, go with a sensitive one.
- Dr. Vu recommends using a sensitivity toothpaste with fluoride, like Sensodyne or Pronamel, especially as you age, since your teeth get more sensitive as you get older.^{[12]
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  Tu Anh Vu, DMD
  Board Certified Dentist
  
  Expert Interview}
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Tartar/plaque control Tartar (which is hardened plaque) toothpaste tends to use chemicals like sodium pyrophosphate and sodium hexametaphosphate to prevent tartar from forming on the teeth. Tartar-control toothpaste with sodium hexametaphosphate is extremely useful, as it helps prevent tartar and stains.^{[13]
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- If you have stubborn tartar that isn’t easily removed, this toothpaste won’t get rid of it. Instead, you’ll need a professional cleaning from your dentist.
Natural and herbal toothpastes tend to ditch the fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate for more natural ingredients, like baking soda, aloe, essential oils, activated charcoal, and plant extracts. Many prefer them over chemical toothpastes because they don’t contain the same synthetic chemicals, which can be harmful to sensitive folks.^{[14]
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Section 6 of 7:

Why is toothpaste striped?

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Toothpaste is striped because of its ingredients and loading practices. When toothpaste is loaded into the tube, the different colored parts are loaded at different times. They aren’t stored in different compartments, though, as the toothpaste’s ingredients are designed not to mix due to their viscosity and thickness. So, instead of mixing, it remains in striped form and comes out the same when you squeeze it.^{[15]
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- Toothpaste isn’t always striped. Some toothpastes are all white, others are all blue, and some are sparkly.
- The stripes on toothpaste tend to have different functions. Some stripes may be whitening and breath-freshening, while others are abrasives that break down plaque.^{[16]
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Section 7 of 7:

Is fluoride dangerous?

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Dr. Vu says that fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that’s even present in our drinking water, and although it’s often painted as dangerous, it actually helps prevent cavities, strengthen teeth, and keep them healthy. When consumed in excessive amounts, though, it can be damaging to your teeth.^{[17]
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Expert Source

Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist

Expert Interview}