Toothpaste Allergy: Causes and Symptoms

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Last updated 06/25 Share

Toothpaste Ingredients Have Changed - Safer and More Effective
Having a Reaction? See Your Dentist
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FAQs

From the nickel in the button on your jeans to the herbal products in your expensive moisturizer, virtually any product that you use has the potential to cause an allergic reaction.

But toothpaste ingredients should be low on your list of potential allergens.

Toothpaste Ingredients Have Changed - Safer and More Effective

Of course, there have been some reports of allergic reactions that have been linked to toothpaste ingredients, but these reports are rare. The low degree of sensitization in most toothpaste ingredients contributes to the rarity of toothpaste allergies. The ingredients in toothpaste have changed over time and continue to change as companies refine their formulas to make them safer and more effective.

That said, flavorings often used in toothpaste, such as oil of peppermint, can cause an allergic reaction, but such reactions are usually mild and will resolve if you switch to a different flavor or brand of toothpaste. For example, a 1998 report from Denmark published in the journal Contact Dermatitis, described a case of a person who developed severe chapped lips (cheilitis) as the result of a contact allergy to spearmint oil that was traced to toothpaste.

Having a Reaction? See Your Dentist

If you experience an allergic reaction, such as swelling, redness, dryness, or infection in your mouth, see your dentist immediately to rule out gum disease and to discuss your choice of toothpaste. You may find that you simply have sensitive teeth and gums, rather than a full-blown allergy, and that a mildly flavored toothpaste and soft-bristle brush may solve the problem.

Science worth a scroll.

Pain Relief Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth

Sensitivity, also known as dental hypersensitivity or dentinal hypersensitivity, is the pain experienced, usually when eating or drinking. Most people have experienced a form of tooth pain at some point in their lives.

Brighten Your Smile with a Whitening Toothpaste

When used regularly, a whitening toothpaste can help remove stains and plaque and contribute to a healthy smile. In fact, they are specially formulated to remove surface stains from natural teeth.

Strengthening Teeth With Fluoride Toothpaste

When you use a fluoride toothpaste, you’re strengthening your tooth enamel, which helps to prevent tooth decay. Fluoride can also help repair teeth that have suffered minor tooth decalcification

What are the symptoms of an allergic reaction to toothpaste?

If you notice swelling, redness, burning, dryness, sores, or irritation in or around your mouth after using a toothpaste, stop using it and talk with your dentist or healthcare professional. They can help determine whether your symptoms are related to a toothpaste ingredient, another oral health issue, or sensitivity. Switching to a mild-flavored toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush may help reduce irritation for some people.

Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) a common allergen?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is not considered a common allergen, and most people can use toothpaste with SLS without a problem. In some people, SLS may contribute to temporary mouth irritation or sensitivity, but this is usually irritation rather than a true allergy. If you notice ongoing discomfort after brushing, talk with your dentist about what may be causing it and which toothpaste is right for you.

What causes "toothpaste rash" around the mouth?

“Toothpaste rash” around the mouth is usually caused by irritation or sensitivity to an ingredient in toothpaste, such as certain flavors, dyes, or foaming agents. In some cases, it may be an allergic reaction. If irritation continues, stop using the product and talk with your dentist or healthcare professional to help identify the cause.

What alternatives exist for people with toothpaste allergies?

If you think you are allergic or sensitive to toothpaste, ask your dentist or healthcare professional to help identify the ingredient that may be causing symptoms. Options may include a toothpaste without certain flavors, dyes, or foaming agents such as SLS. Choose a fluoride toothpaste when possible for cavity protection, unless your dental professional recommends otherwise.

Can natural toothpaste cause allergic reactions?

Yes. Natural toothpaste can still cause irritation or allergic reactions if you are sensitive to ingredients such as essential oils, flavorings, herbs, or preservatives. If you notice swelling, rash, burning, or sores after switching toothpaste, stop using it and talk with a dentist or healthcare professional.

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