Toothpaste ingredients should be low on your list of potential allergens however virtually any product that you use has the potential to cause an allergic reaction. You may find that you simply have sensitive teeth and gums, rather than an allergy and that a mildly flavored toothpaste and soft-bristle brush may solve the problem.
Signs of a Toothpaste Allergy:
The signs of a toothpaste allergy can vary based on what ingredients you’re allergic to and how severe your reaction is.
- One sign of a toothpaste allergy is a severe form of chapped lips, known as cheilitis.
- A rash around the mouth.
- Other signs include sores in the mouth, swollen gums, and tongue irritation.
Potential Allergens in Toothpaste
Toothpastes can contain a number of potential allergens.
- Gluten
- Fluoride
- Fragrances
- Flavorings such as oil of peppermint
What to Do If You Think You’re Allergic to Your Toothpaste
If you have irritated and chapped lips or a rash around your mouth, the first thing to do is stop using that toothpaste. You can try switching to a new variety or brand and see if your symptoms resolve.
It’s also a good idea to see your dentist or doctor. If the ingredients in the toothpaste are known, your doctor or dentist can test individual ingredients to further narrow down your toothpaste allergy. That way, you can identify the specific allergen and learn to avoid it in the future.
Conclusion
There are plenty of kinds of toothpaste you can switch to if it turns out that you are allergic to an ingredient in your toothpaste. A toothpaste allergy doesn’t have to get in the way of having great oral hygiene. Once you know what you’re allergic to it’s easy to avoid those ingredients and deterine what brands are best for you. Contact Dr. Capozzi if you have any questions or need suggestions on what type of toothpaste is best for you.
