Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentsWhen to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatments
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
An allergic reaction to toothpaste is a form ofcontact dermatitis, causing sores, itching, and peeling inside the mouth and around the lips.
While toothpaste allergies are not common, they can happen. Flavorings in toothpaste, such as mint, are the most likely to be responsible for an allergic reaction, though other ingredients may contribute as well.
This article will discuss the symptoms and causes of toothpaste allergies, and how to find the right toothpaste for you.
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What Does an Allergic Reaction to Toothpaste Look Like?
Symptoms of an allergy to toothpaste include:
Causes of Toothpaste Allergic Reactions
There are two types of contact dermatitis—irritant and allergic. This difference is often difficult to determine, and it is not usually an important distinction. Most reactions from toothpaste are allergic contact dermatitis.
Both natural and synthetic (manmade) chemicals used to add peppermint, spearmint, and cinnamon flavoring are responsible for the majority of allergic reactions to toothpaste.Since most toothpastes contain these flavorings, it can be challenging to find one that does not cause a reaction in people who are allergic.
Other ingredients in toothpastes that may cause contact dermatitis include:
Some toothpastes also use gluten as a thickener. This can cause symptoms inpeople who must avoid gluten.
Read labels to avoid specific allergens. You can try over-the-counter natural toothpaste, but even some of those include flavorings, which can cause a reaction. If you’re extremely sensitive, try to find a toothpaste with no flavoring.
Very rarely, the fluoride in toothpaste may cause an allergic reaction. There have only been two published case reportsof this type of allergy, and one of them noted that a flavoring agent could also be responsible.So, fluoride allergy is extremely unusual.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is another very common ingredient in toothpaste that can cause irritation in some people. This ingredient can cause inflammation, irritation, and ulcerations in some.There are toothpastes available that do not contain sodium lauryl sulfate.
Toothpaste Brands That Are Gluten-Free
Allergens in Other Oral Care Products
Metals used indentistrythat can cause contact dermatitis in the mouth include mercury, chromium, nickel, gold, cobalt, beryllium, and palladium.
The diagnosis of toothpaste allergy is made with apatch test. With this, small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin of your back and covered with an adhesive sheet. The sheet stays on for approximately 48 hours.The results of the test are interpreted at 48 hours after placement, and again at 72 or 96 hours after placement.
The TRUE test is the only FDA-approved patch test for contact dermatitis in the United States, although some allergists anddermatologistsuse more extensive patch test panels with chemicals purchased from Canada or Europe.
A positive test is confirmed when there is itching, redness, mild swelling, and blistering at the site of the particular chemical.
Contact Dermatitis: When Symptoms Start and Could End
Treatments for Toothpaste Allergy
The best way to treat toothpaste allergy is to avoid the chemical that is resulting in the allergy.Many people with an allergy to artificially flavored toothpastes can tolerate naturally flavored versions. Others may need to use toothpastes in non-traditional flavors, such as mango or berry.
Another alternative is toothpaste that includes essential oils. Research shows that some essential oils have higher antibacterial properties than traditional fluoride toothpaste and are safe and effective.However, some people have allergic reactions to essential oils, such as tea tree oil.
For the treatment of immediate symptoms, a doctor may suggest the use of a low-potencytopical steroid(such as over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream) applied to the affected skin on the face for a short period of time.
The long-term use of topical steroids on the face should be avoided as they can cause severe and permanent side effects.
If you develop irritation in your mouth, including cracked lips or a rash around your mouth, contact your primary care physician. If you experience itchiness in your mouth and/or swelling of your tongue, see a healthcare provider immediately.
Summary
An allergic reaction to toothpaste is a type of contact dermatitis. Symptoms include sore gums, a burning tongue, cracked lips, and redness around the mouth.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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