dealing with the signs & symptoms of toothpaste allergy

Dealing with the Signs & Symptoms of Toothpaste Allergy

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Symptoms of Toothpaste Allergy

Brushing your teeth twice on a daily basis is important to keeping your mouth healthy. This poses a serious risk to some people however as they are allergic to toothpaste. This is usually tends to go undetected as it is pretty rare and only reacts to a specific ingredient in the toothpaste that you use. A lot of you may not actually realize that you are allergic to toothpaste whereas others tend to ignore their allergy and don’t let their dentist know about it.

Here are some common symptoms of toothpaste allergies:

  • Having very dry and chapped lips
  • Constantly having mouth sores and canker sores
  • Developing rash around your mouth soon after brushing
  • Constantly experiencing gum inflammation, hives, respiratory issues, itchiness, red eyes and watery eyes.
  • Toothpaste allergy can also trigger anaphylaxis which may require immediate medical attention in an emergency.
  • Cheilitis is also a condition which occurs on the sides of your mouth and makes them irritated, dry and cracked. This may also lead to swelling and a buildup of pus in your mouth. A toothpaste allergy can also cause Cheilitis but the good news is that this condition quickly vanishes after your treatment begins. Usually this process of treatment starts with finding out which ingredient you are allergic to.
  • 8 Causes of Toothpaste Allergy

    1. The different types of toothpaste flavoring are a major cause of allergens. The most common flavors are spearmint, mint, cinnamon, peppermint and menthol.

    2. Cocamidopropyl betaine is a synthetic surfactant that acts as a foaming agent in your toothpaste and helps to clean and remove germs on your teeth.

    3. Propylene gycol is an extraction of natural gas which is used to help the toothpaste maintain its form and consistency as well as acting as a preservative.

    4. Essential oils are used due to their fresh scent and also act as anti-bacterials. These are extracted from animals, antibacterials or artificially manufactured. The most common essential oil allergen is tea tree oil.

    5. Parabens are used to preserve and boost your toothpaste’s antibacterial properties.

    6. Propolis is a plant product which is gathered and obtained from bees and helps in reducing oral inflammation and bacteria.

    7. Fluoride prevents tooth decay.

    8. Sodium lauryl sulphate is a foaming agent which helps in removing bacteria and debris from your teeth and also aids in rinsing out your mouth.

    What You Should Do to Prevent and Treat Your Allergy?

    According to research, the main reason for allergens in your toothpaste is due to the flavoring. The other causes of allergies are two chemical compounds called cocamidopropyl betaine and propylene glycol. Some other causes of causing allergic reactions can be oils, additives and parabens.

    One of the best ways to avoid any allergens is to avoid using toothpastes that have the most probable ingredients of causing allergic reactions. You can also opt to see your dentist or allergist and have a test done to find out exactly what ingredients you are allergic to in toothpaste.

    After your test with the allergist, you can avoid toothpastes that contain your specific allergens and go natural instead by using completely natural products. Make sure to read the allergens list before doing so.

    Another great way to avoid any allergens altogether is by choosing to make your own toothpaste which is a bit more difficult.

    Before you attempt anything though, consult an allergist to find out your exact allergens as there may be a chance that you may not be allergic to toothpaste altogether and may have another medical condition. Also consult your dentist to ensure that your chosen dental treatment is appropriate to maintaining good oral health.

About the author:

Shen Chao is part of Dr. Joshua Hong’s Smile Clinic. While working for the Smile Clinic, he's gained first hand experiences into the questions and concerns that dental patients have. He has been writing to inform people about various dental topics to help his readers improve their oral health. When he's not working, you can find him on a hiking trail with his dog or having a Sunday cook-out with friends.

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