Until a decade or two ago, the so-called “Hollywood smile” wasn’t such a big trend — but today, more and more people are striving for it. That’s completely understandable. Over time, our teeth naturally lose their whiteness, becoming stained by coffee, nicotine, dyes, and everyday foods and drinks.

 

Alongside daily oral care, the question of how to manage discoloration becomes more important. Most people feel uncomfortable when they notice their teeth darkening — and that’s totally normal. But don’t worry! At Nordics, we’ve got a solution. Our goal is to care for your dental health holistically and help you achieve lasting results. A bright, healthy smile does wonders for your confidence — and we’re here to support that.

 

You may have tried different types of toothpaste: with fluoride, multi-level protection, and a range of promised benefits. But have you ever looked at the label? Do you know what’s inside your toothpaste? Have you tried whitening formulas?

 

In this article, we will look at the agents involved in teeth whitening and particularly polyvinylpyrrolidone, or PVP for short.

 

If you’re starting to pay more attention to what goes into your mouth, we’re here to bring some clarity. Let’s get started!

What is polyvinylpyrrolidone, and why is it so popular in cosmetics?

 

PVP is a synthetic water-soluble polymer made from the monomer N-vinylpyrrolidone. It is widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food. In the context of dental care, PVP is mainly used for its adhesive properties and its ability to form a protective barrier on the surface of the teeth, making it an ideal ingredient for whitening products. It also acts as a thickener, suspending agent and emulsifier.

 

PVP is known for its solubility in water, which allows it to be easily combined with other ingredients in whitening formulas. Thanks to its unique properties, it binds to tooth enamel, creating a film that helps prevent the appearance of new stains after whitening procedures.

And now a little more about the role of PVP in toothpaste

Role number 1. – Film-forming properties and stain prevention

A key benefit of PVP is its ability to form a thin protective layer on the teeth. This layer helps active ingredients remain effective even after brushing, extending their impact throughout the day. It also acts as a shield for the enamel, helping to prevent new stains from food, drinks, or smoking from settling in.

Role number 2. – Antibacterial action 

PVP has certain antibacterial properties that help clean the oral cavity and reduce bacterial growth, which contributes to better dental health. 

Role number 3. – Thickener and stabilizer

PVP is used as a thickener and stabilizer in toothpaste to increase their viscosity (thickness, flowability) and prevent ingredients from delaminating. This makes the texture of the paste smoother and easier to apply, helping it to stick better to the surface of the teeth.

Role number 4. – Improved adhesion (sticking)

It acts as an adhesive that helps the paste adhere better to the tooth surface, which in turn improves the cleaning effect. In addition, it helps to better retain fluoride in the teeth, providing additional protection. It also increases the contact time of the active ingredients (such as hydrogen peroxide) with the enamel, improving their effectiveness.

Role number 5. – Hydration and flavor enhancement 

As a moisturizing ingredient, PVP keeps the oral cavity hydrated, prevents the paste from drying out and improves the feeling of use.

Role number 6. – Better consistency of products

PVP improves the texture of whitening gels, toothpastes and mouthwashes, making them easier to apply and providing even coverage on teeth.

 

We’ve explored how PVP works in toothpaste, but this multifunctional ingredient is also used in various dental and oral care products — proving its complex qualities. Its most sought-after effect remains teeth whitening, which is why it features prominently in many whitening formulas.

 

Thanks to its protective and stain-preventing properties, PVP stands out as a valuable ingredient in toothpaste and oral hygiene products. Let’s summarize its key benefits.

 

Benefits of PVP in toothpaste

Long-lasting results

PVP helps maintain whitening effects by preventing new stains and prolonging the results of whitening treatments.

Reduced sensitivity 

Some users experience tooth sensitivity after whitening, but PVP forms a protective barrier between enamel and active ingredients, helping to reduce this discomfort.

Flexibility 

PVP is compatible with a variety of bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, allowing manufacturers to create a variety of products to meet consumer needs.

Easy to use 

Products containing PVP have a smoother texture, which allows for a more even application across the teeth and enhances the whitening effect.

PVP in various whitening products

• Whitening toothpaste – Some toothpastes contain PVP to prevent stains, providing gentle whitening with daily use.
• Whitening strips – PVP is a key ingredient in popular whitening strips, ensuring good adhesion of the strips to the teeth and more effective action of the gel;

• Whitening gels – Professional whitening gels used in dental offices often contain PVP to improve the effectiveness and keep the active ingredients on the teeth for a longer time;
• Whitening mouthwashes – Certain whitening mouthwashes also contain PVP, which helps maintain white teeth and improves overall oral hygiene.

 

Above, we’ve explored the role of PVP in toothpaste and highlighted its strengths. If you’re encountering this ingredient for the first time, it’s natural to wonder about its safety and potential drawbacks. Let’s take a closer look at the possible weaknesses of this compound to keep you fully informed.

Disadvantages of PVP and some caveats

 

Allergic reactions 

Like any ingredient, although rare, some people may experience irritation or discomfort in the mouth. If such symptoms occur, it is recommended to stop using the product and seek advice from a dentist. Sometimes allergic reactions can manifest with skin irritation, itching and redness.

Toxicity

PVP does have the potential for toxicity, but only at extremely high doses. Toothpastes are formulated by professionals, and the amounts used are carefully calibrated to ensure safety. As a result, there is no risk of toxicity when using PVP in these products.

 

Additionally, the FDA – Classifies PVP as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS). Its safe concentrations are determined by the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC No.1223/2009).  Its safety is also confirmed by NCBI.

Non-biodegradability

PVP does not degrade in nature, which means it can persist in the environment for a long period. This problem is solved by several strategies aimed at reducing its accumulation in the environment and improving its environmental sustainability. Scientists are working on modified versions of PVP that retain its beneficial properties but can be degraded by microorganisms or natural processes. 

 

Also, mixing PVP with biodegradable substances such as cellulose, chitosan or alginates can improve its degradability without compromising effectiveness in cosmetics or medicine. As nanotechnology advances, nanomaterials and carriers are being developed that regulate how and where PVP is released, reducing its environmental footprint. Research is underway that focuses on finding enzymes that can break down PVP in the environment, making it more environmentally compatible.

Limited effectiveness on deep stains
Yes, it is true that PVP prevents new spots, but it may not have enough whitening effect on old or deep-seated spots that require professional treatments.

 

PVP is a widely used ingredient in toothpaste – and not only! It brings many benefits and its disadvantages are kept to a minimum.

 

All this makes PVP a key element in dental care. It not only improves the performance of products but also enhances the user experience with its thickening, stabilizing and moisturizing properties. And the best part? Its safety is fully confirmed, so you can use it with complete peace of mind.

 

As science and technology advance, PVP continues to improve, paving the way for even more innovative formulas. And in Nordics, we are dedicated to creating high-quality products, which combine the best of science and nature, with care for your health.

 

Sources:

Herb Moskowitz, DDS; Janice Goodman, DDS, MS Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain, Molecular Iodine: Could This Be a Game Changer for Dentistry?,  Oral Health Group, March, 3, 2020;

Mallesh Kurakula a, GSN Koteswara Rao, Pharmaceutical assessment of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP): As excipient from conventional to controlled delivery systems with a spotlight on COVID-19 inhibition, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020 Sep 2;

FINAL REPORT ON THE SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE (PVP);

What is Polyvinyl pyrrolidone PVP in toothpaste?, eschemy.com, 2023 Dec 23;

Hasneet K. Kalsi & David C. Edwards, PVP-I mouth rinse in dental practice, The British Dental Journal, 11 December 2020;

Polyvinylpyrrolidone PVP in cosmetics and personal care products, YEARN, 2024 Aug 14;

 Dr. Brian Harris, PVP Ingredient for Teeth Whitening, September 04, 2023;

What Is PVP in Teeth Whitening?,  Dailytoothcare, 2024 Aug 08;

Paola Franco, Iolanda De Marco, The Use of Poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) in the Delivery of Drugs: A Review, National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2020 May 13.