Gluten-free toothpaste is one of the many available toothpaste types on the market that some patients might not have considered. These kinds of toothpaste are made without gluten. Gluten is a protein found in typical food ingredients, such as barley, wheat, and rye. In toothpaste, gluten works as a binder or stabilizer, and this uneasily digestible substance can quickly irritate the digestive tract for those with gluten intolerance or allergy. Therefore, such individuals need to watch the oral care products that they don’t swallow like toothpaste.
Causes and Symptoms of an Intolerance
Gluten’s well-known counterpart is celiac disease. For an individual with celiac disease, consuming gluten can trigger an immune response and damage the small intestine. In the system of a celiac-patient, gluten can also cause gastric disturbances. Be mindful of these side-effects:
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Distended stomach
- Nausea
Bright Alternatives
Fortunately, there’s an abundance of gluten-free toothpaste options available for gluten-allergic people, so finding them on store shelves isn’t difficult nowadays. Using gluten-free toothpaste twice a day and daily flossing will help maintain your oral care without that gastric interference.
Gluten-free toothpaste can offer the same cleansing effect as regular toothpaste due to the same active ingredients, such as calcium phosphate, baking soda, and xylitol.
Calcium phosphate can help with tartar control. Baking soda neutralizes harmful acids and helps to remove surface stains. And lastly, xylitol helps prevent cavities and promotes the flow of saliva. Other ingredients no less present in gluten-free products include water, sorbitol, fluoride, cellulose gum, and natural flavorings such as peppermint oil.
Most toothpaste manufacturers have information about their gluten-free toothpaste ingredients on their website. You can also call a toll-free number and ask questions before making a final decision on a purchase.
Where to Buy
You can easily find gluten-free toothpaste on shelves next to regular toothpaste. You can also purchase some products online; ask your dentist for a recommendation during your next checkup.
To schedule an appointment, call Smiles4Ever Dentistry at 281-213-5668.