Do you ever notice a rash around your mouth after you brush your teeth? Do you know what could cause it? Would you be surprised to learn that it could be your toothpaste—or more accurately, one of the ingredients in your toothpaste?
Yes, sadly it is possible to be allergic to one of the many ingredients, which include abrasive agents to remove plaque, flavorings, humectants to keep your smile moist, thickeners to keep ideal texture, and often fluoride to strengthen teeth.
While knowing what’s inside your toothpaste is relatively important, you can usually tell what your toothpaste does simply by looking on the box. However, if you can find what you’re allergic to, you can avoid continuing exposure to it, knowing what is in your toothpaste can be important for those with allergies.
Fortunately, toothpaste allergies are very rare and are usually only caused by one ingredient—though at times a combination of ingredients may be responsible. Sadly, most people don’t realize that they may be allergic to toothpaste and don’t tell their dentist about their symptoms.
The most common symptom is a rash that appears around the mouth but may spread to your nose and cheeks. Inflamed gums, red eyes, painful sores, and even respiratory issues may be signs that you have a problem with your toothpaste. Your gums may also become dry, irritated, and could crack. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your dentist. They may recommend natural toothpastes, using less toothpaste, or a different option depending on your unique needs.
If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us. We’re excited to hear from you.