AP24 Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste from Nu Skin aims to whiten your teeth without peroxide, a kind of bleach. It also aims to prevent plaque build-up and cavities (view on Amazon).
A good toothpaste is the foundation of your oral hygiene. Most importantly, it fights against plaque build-up and cavities. These conditions can lead to gum disease and tooth loss if not controlled.
Finding the right toothpaste for you can be a daunting task; there are thousands on the market. In this review, you have the opportunity to get a closer look at Nu Skin AP24 toothpaste, a peroxide free whitening toothpaste, and decide whether it’s right for you.
What makes a good toothpaste?
The mark of a good toothpaste is not only how well it cleans, but also whether it protects, and avoids damaging, teeth.
NHS guidelines on toothpaste states that they should:
- Have 1350ppm fluoride or more
- Only contain artificial flavours: no natural sugars.
- Be as gentle as possible, with a score of less than 250 on the Relative Dentin Abrasion scale
- Support continued oral hygiene*
*The best toothpaste is one that suits you in terms of flavour, texture, and more. If you like it, you’ll be more likely to continue to use it.
It’s worth noting that this product is not ADA approved, and as such doesn’t have to abide by these guidelines. However, here’s how Nu Skin AP24 toothpaste measures up:
| Good toothpaste criteria | Nu Skin AP 24 toothpaste |
| At least 1350ppm fluoride | 1000 ppm (so under the recommended amount) |
| Artificial sweeteners | This product contains saccharine, an artificial sweetener, and no natural sugars. |
| Relative Dentin Abrasivity less than 250 | 103- well below the upper limit for safe use. |
| Other comments | The flavour of this toothpaste is described as “vanilla mint”. It also has a wide cap, allowing tube to be stood on one end. |
Nu Skin AP24 toothpaste also whitens your teeth without the use of peroxides or harsh abrasive ingredients. During clinical trials (page 2 of article) a difference of 63% brightness was observed, although there is no time frame for these results.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Uses no peroxide, a kind of bleach that can cause sensitivity and weaken enamel
- Prevents and removes plaque
- Whitens teeth
- Vanilla mint flavour
- Contains fluoride
Cons
- The fluoride content is below NHS guidelines
- Lack of peroxide may limit results
This toothpaste is great if you have sensitive teeth and want to avoid peroxides. Plus, combining your whitening product with your toothpaste makes whitening far more convenient. A tasty toothpaste also encourages regular use. If you are prone to cavities, the lower fluoride levels maybe a concern. Otherwise, this is an effective whitening toothpaste.
7 things you need to know about AP24 whitening toothpaste
1. Does AP24 toothpaste work?
The major sell of this product is it’s whitening properties. Discoloration of teeth occurs due to age, smoking, or eating staining foods regularly (tea, coffee, red wine, etc). Over time, stains build up on the surface of the tooth, affecting the colour.
AP24 uses two gentle abrasives- hydrated silica and aluminium hydroxide- to slowly remove those stains. Hydrated silica is used in many toothpastes, and the FDA says that it is “Generally Safe”. Aluminium hydroxide is also a widely used abrasive, known for its polishing properties. Combined, they will gently lift the stains from your teeth.
In addition, AP 24 contains titanium dioxide which is a bright white pigment. It reflects light and makes your teeth appear whiter.
2. Will AP24 toothpaste damage my teeth?
A good toothpaste will be gentle on your teeth, protect enamel and not cause damage or sensitivity. Because the AP 24 toothpaste contains very gentle abrasives, it scores low on the Relative Dentin Abrasion scale. This means it won’t damage your teeth as you brush.
Also, it doesn’t contain any natural sugars. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, natural sugars are worse than artificial ones in toothpaste. This is because natural sugars cause tooth decay. All flavourings and sweeteners are artificial, meaning that they won’t cause decay.
3. How soon can you expect results?
Results vary from person to person- some Amazon customers report noticeably whiter teeth in as little as seven days. Others find it took them several weeks to see the difference. It’s important to keep in mind that products which don’t use peroxides will often work slower than products that do. The natural approach that AP24 takes may take slightly longer to noticeably whiten your teeth.
For more dramatic results, you need to use a whitening kit that holds peroxide against the teeth for longer than the two minutes you spend brushing.
4. How long do results last?
This depends on how well you look after your teeth. Ultimately, AP24 toothpaste is meant to be used continuously for maintained results. To achieve the best smile possible, brush twice a day for two minutes, visit your dentist regularly and try to avoid staining products such as coffee, red wine and tobacco.
5. Does AP24 toothpaste protect your teeth?
A good toothpaste must contain ingredients that actively protect teeth. Fluoride helps to replace mineral content in tooth enamel. This helps strengthen tooth enamel, prevent cavities and stop the yellow dentin beneath showing through.
AP24 is a US product and contains the recommended amount of fluoride (1000 ppm) for the US market. Here in the UK a higher concentration is recommended.
6. How does AP24 toothpaste taste?
The product comes in a “unique” vanilla mint flavour.
7. Is there something better?
This product is suitable for those with sensitive teeth, as it takes a gentle approach to whitening that shouldn’t harm your teeth.
However, if you want faster or more drastic results, a whitening kit with peroxide might be more suitable.
Alternatively, charcoal whitening products Active WOW whitening powder could be a natural option.
AP24 toothpaste ingredients
Active Ingredient:
- Sodium Monofluorophosphate (0.76% which equates to 1000ppm): A common form of fluoride, which helps protect your teeth and therefore prevents cavities.
Inactive Ingredients:
- Water (Aqua)
- Hydrated Silica: A gentle abrasive to help lift stains.
- Sorbitol: An artificial sugar substitute.
- Aluminum Hydroxide: Another gentle abrasive.
- Glycerin: A sweetener
- Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate: An emulsifier and thickening agent
- PEG-12: A kind of surfactant. It gives the toothpaste a creamy texture.
- Dimethicone: Part of the unique AP24 formula. It leaves your mouth feeling smooth.
- Poloxamer 338: Part of the unique AP24 formula. Helps to deliver the active ingredients.
- Poloxamer 407:Part of the unique AP24 formula. Helps to deliver the active ingredients.
- Cellulose Gum: A thickening agent.
- Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891): A white pigment that will help your teeth seem whiter in the short-term.
- Sodium Saccharin: An artificial sweetener.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: MAY TRIGGER ALLERGIES. A foaming agent.
- Flavor (Aroma)
AP24 toothpaste summary
AP24 toothpaste is designed to gently lift stains from your teeth while also fighting decay and preventing cavities. It also contains a brightening pigment or short-term whiteness. Most importantly, it avoids damage to your enamel by not using any harsh abrasives and contains no damaging sugars.
FAQs
Does this work at whitening teeth?
The gentle abrasives will lift stains from your teeth, resulting in a whiter appearance. The product also contains Titanium Dioxide, a whitening pigment that will boost short term whiteness.
Does it also whiten the fillings?
Unfortunately, all whitening products are designed to only work on natural teeth. If you are dissatisfied with the colour of your fillings, consult with your dentist.
Do you brush with it dry?
Above all, make sure you use this product dry- wetting the brush before or after may affect your results.
Where is it made?
The AP24 company is located in Utah, and the product is American made.
Does it work on dentures?
Again, while the product certainly works on natural teeth, false teeth or fillings won’t achieve the same results. Consult with your dentist to find solutions for your dentures.
Is this toothpaste enamel safe?
The abrasives used in this product score low on the Relative Dentin Abrasion scale, meaning that they won’t damage your enamel during brushing.
Can I use this with an electric toothbrush, such as Sonicare?
This product is suitable for use with all toothbrushes.
What is the fluoride % in the toothpaste?
This product contains 0.76% mono fluorophosphate which equates to 1000ppm of fluoride. This is within the recommended fluoride levels for the US market, but slightly below the NHS recommended concentration.
Do you replace your current toothpaste with this or use this along with it like a polisher?
This toothpaste can replace your current toothpaste.
What are the ingredients that whiten the teeth?
The gentle abrasives hydrated silica and aluminium hydroxide lift stains from your teeth over time, while the white pigment titanium dioxide helps boost short term whiteness.
- Gives you beautiful, white teeth and prevents the formation of plaque.
- Special formula - no harmful peroxide.
- Removes stains and helps prevent cavities.