You probably know that it’s extremely important to brush and floss every day, but do you know what’s in your toothpaste? Your toothpaste is made with 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, 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.
Luckily, there are signs that you can watch for. For instance, if you notice that your mouth, particularly your gums, seem dry after you brush you could have allergies. Similarly, you may have a problem if your gums become irritated or crack. Also, you may notice a rash that forms around your mouth after you brush. This rash could spread to your nose, cheeks, and even your ears.
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.