Can Toothpaste Ingredients Cause Allergies in Your Family?
Choosing the right toothpaste is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, it is also important to be aware of the ingredients that can cause skin allergies and reactions, especially in children and sensitive individuals. Fluoride, which is mostly used in every toothpaste, can lead to allergic reactions.
Other allergic ingredients include sweeteners, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. Sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a foaming agent, can cause irritation in your mouth. Common allergic reactions include burning sensations, swollen gums, and ulcers. Many people often mistake this as contact dermatitis.
If anyone in your family is experiencing symptoms like swollen gums, mouth sores, or rashes around the mouth, it is highly advisable to visit a family dentist in Hailey, ID to learn the underlying cause. Meanwhile, read this blog to learn more about the common ingredients used in your toothpaste, signs of allergies, and preventive care.
Common ingredients in toothpaste
Almost every toothpaste brand contains fluoride. Fluoride provides strength to your enamel and promotes good oral health. However, in rare cases, some people may experience allergic reactions to fluoride.
Many companies also use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in their toothpaste. It is a type of foaming agent that can result in complications such as skin irritation and allergies. Natural and artificial flavorings like menthol and mint are also used to improve your brushing experience.
However, they can increase the risk of sensitivities. This is especially true if you are allergic to any of these substances. Preservatives and artificial colorants such as parabens and titanium dioxide are other common ingredients found in toothpaste. These help your teeth look more bright and shiny. However, using them for a long time can lead to various health risks.
Lastly, sweeteners like sorbitol are used in toothpaste to make your brushing experience sweeter. However, these sweet ingredients can result in allergic reactions in some people.
Signs of toothpaste allergies
- Skin reactions
If you are experiencing redness, itching, or swelling around your mouth, it may be because of your toothpaste. These skin reactions can happen immediately after brushing. The severity of these skin reactions depends on how sensitive you are to the specific ingredients.
- Oral symptoms
Using the wrong toothpaste can also lead to a burning sensation in your mouth and swelling of your gums, lips, or tongue. This can cause you difficulty in chewing or biting your favorite meal. These are caused by allergens such as added preservatives or flavoring agents. If your toothpaste contains any of these ingredients, it is time to change them.
- Respiratory issues
Respiratory issues may also occur due to toothpaste allergies. However, these cases are very rare. You may experience difficulty in breathing after exposure to certain allergens found in the toothpaste. These symptoms should not be ignored, and you should consult a doctor for treatment.
What to do if you suspect an allergy
If you think that your skin reactions are due to the allergens in the toothpaste, change it immediately. Use a hypoallergenic toothpaste to reduce the chances of further reactions.
After discarding your toothpaste, rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water. It will help you clean traces of the product that might be causing you problems. Moreover, if you are experiencing swelling or itching, use antihistamines to get instant relief.
If you are experiencing more severe symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing or significant inflammation, it is highly advised to seek medical care immediately. The doctor can identify the specific allergen and help you establish safe oral hygiene.
Are you experiencing an adverse reaction?
If you or someone from your family is experiencing adverse reactions after using a new toothpaste, it is time to visit the dentist. While it is rare for people to experience allergies to toothpaste, it still does happen. Schedule a dental appointment in Hailey, Idaho, today!