Gutology Oral Care - Allergen InformationUpdated a month ago
It's not just hayfever, that can get us sneezing. Foods, medications & even cosmetic products can cause issues for many people. Some people even have an allergy to toothpaste. At Gutology, we strive to remove ingredients that we don't believe should be in our bodies everyday but some people can react to natural ingredients like Mint.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts and starts creating antibodies when it comes in contact with a normally harmless substance. That's why your nose might start running when you breathe in pollen, or you might break out in hives when you eat a peanut.
However, the most common toothpaste allergy symptom is cheilitis, which means inflammation of the lips. Cheilitis might display as dermatitis around the mouth, including a rash and dry, cracked lips. In some cases, you might also experience sensitivity or a mild burning sensation.
With toothpaste allergies, symptoms inside the mouth are very rare. You should see your dentist, GP or call 111 (in the UK) immediately if you experience any itchiness or swelling in your mouth. You might have a food allergy or a different oral health problem instead.
POTENTIAL ALLERGENS IN NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
We strive to use natural ingredients in all our products but in rare cases people can react to the following:
ESSENTIAL OILS - such as limonene & menthol oil.
HUMECTANTS - like Glycerine which are derived from vegetables.
GLYCOLIPIDS - are mixes substances that contain carbohydrates.
SWEETENERS - such as xylitol & stevia.
PROBIOTICS - such as Lactoctobacillus
OTHER - Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose Gum & Hydroxyapatite can also cause allergic reactions in rare cases.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE ALLERGIC?
Are you experiencing swollen and cracked lips or dealing with a rash around your mouth? If you think you're allergic to your toothpaste, then switch immediately. Try a different flavour or brand to see if the symptoms resolve.
If the problem persists, then reach out to your dentist or primary care physician. They might refer you to an allergist, who can perform tests to determine which ingredients or materials are causing the irritation. You might learn it's not your toothpaste at all, but a new chapstick or facewash. Once the offending ingredient is identified, you can avoid it in the future.
A toothpaste allergy should not get in the way of great oral hygiene. If you're having trouble finding a toothpaste that works for you, your dental professional would be happy to help you find the right product. That way, you can get rid of unwanted allergy symptoms and take care of your oral health.