For those living with celiac disease, or a gluten allergy, it’s important to always be mindful of everything they put in their mouth. And that extends to toothpaste products. Nowadays, there are plenty of gluten-free toothpaste options available to choose from. These gluten-free formulas also offer up a number of specialized benefits, including whitening, gum care, and sensitivity relief. Find out what gluten-free toothpaste is, why it’s important, and how to find the best gluten-free toothpaste for you.
What is Gluten Free Toothpaste?
Gluten is a protein that is often found in foods like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease, it is best to avoid these products all together. Even people who do not have celiac disease can be sensitive to gluten which has been linked to abdominal pain, headaches, and fatigue.
However, toothpaste is an important component of everyone’s daily oral hygiene routine, gluten allergy or not. Since gluten can cause a toothpaste allergy to occur in those that are intolerant or sensitive to it, many brands now offer gluten-free toothpaste as an option.
But why add gluten to toothpaste in the first place? Toothpaste formulas are manufactured with wheat-based thickeners or flavorings, all of which have gluten. Some toothpaste formulas even have baking soda which can be derived from wheat. Fortunately, most commercial baking soda products are now gluten-free.
In place of wheat-based thickeners, some toothpaste products are manufactured with cellulose instead. However, not all formulas that list cellulose as an ingredient are entirely gluten-free.
So, when it comes to gluten-free toothpaste, it simply means that the formula contains no gluten products in it.
Gluten Free vs. Regular Toothpaste
Gluten-free toothpaste and toothpaste with gluten are differentiated by whether there is an addition of a wheat-based thickener in the formula.
Additionally, some toothpaste brands are manufactured with natural flavorings as part of their ingredient makeup. These are often made of malt, which is grain-based and thus contains gluten.
However, the main importance of toothpaste is cleaning efficacy. When it comes to cleaning teeth, gluten-free toothpaste and toothpaste that does have gluten is virtually the same. That’s because most toothpastes often have the same active ingredients. These ingredients can include fluoride, sorbitol, sodium lauryl sulfate, calcium carbonate, glycerol, triclosan, and xylitol.
Benefits of Using Gluten Free Toothpaste
Most toothpaste products that that have no gluten offer up the same oral care benefits as other toothpaste options, with one key difference: gluten-free toothpastes limit gluten sensitivity symptoms.
Gluten-free toothpastes help keep your oral health in check without triggering a response that can negatively impact your overall health. As with all toothpastes, gluten-free options help clean your teeth and gums. When used as part of your daily oral hygiene routine, gluten-free toothpaste can help neutralize plaque bacteria, protect against tooth decay, and keep your gums in good condition.
Why Do You Use Gluten Free Toothpaste
Celiac Disease and Oral Care
It’s not just toothpaste that needs to be scrutinized for gluten. Products like orthodontic retainers, rinses, floss, and even whitening treatments can contain gluten.
Using gluten-free toothpaste is important for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to avoid inadvertent exposure to gluten. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger a reaction in people with celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity can cause symptoms such as digestive upset, headaches, and fatigue.
In addition, using gluten-free toothpaste products can help prevent cross-contamination in the bathroom. If someone in the household uses a gluten-containing toothpaste, there is a risk of gluten particles being left on the sink or countertop, which can then be transferred to other surfaces or hands and ingested accidentally.
Which Toothpastes are Gluten Free?
When looking for a toothpaste brand that’s manufactured without gluten that’s right for you, it’s important to also look for formulas containing fluoride to help prevent tooth decay and keep gums in good condition.
Fortunately, all Oral-B toothpastes are entirely free of gluten and offer up multiple benefits to better meet your unique oral care goals. Gluten-free Oral-B toothpastes can help brighten up your smile by removing surface stains, neutralize plaque bacteria to prevent tartar and fight bad breath, and help keep gums in good condition.
Gluten-free Oral-B Toothpaste for Gum Care
Oral-B Sensitivity & Gum CALM toothpaste is clinically proven to immediately relieve sensitivity pain and soothes gums for an in-mouth comfort.
Gluten-free Oral-B Toothpaste for Whitening
Oral-B 3DWhite Clinical Whitening Diamond Clean toothpaste is professionally designed to remove up to 100% of surface stains in just 3 days.
Gluten-free Oral-B Toothpaste for Enamel Protection
Oral-B Gum & Enamel Repair toothpaste actively protects your gums and strengthens your enamel by defending against acid erosion.
How to Read Toothpaste Labels for Gluten Free Ingredients
Reading the label of your toothpaste is essential to avoid gluten-containing ingredients. Look for toothpaste brands that are labeled as "gluten-free" or "certified gluten-free" by a reputable organization such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
If you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten, it's important to read the label of your toothpaste carefully to avoid gluten-containing ingredients. Here are some ingredients to watch out for:
Wheat-based thickeners: Toothpaste may contain wheat-based thickeners such as hydrolyzed wheat protein, which can be a source of gluten.
Flavorings: Some toothpaste may contain natural or artificial flavorings that contain gluten, such as barley malt extract.
Baking soda: Some baking soda is derived from wheat, although most commercial baking soda is now gluten-free.
Other sources: Other sources of gluten in toothpaste may include triticum vulgare (wheat) germ extract or avena sativa (oat) kernel flour.
If you’re unsure if your brand of toothpaste is entirely gluten-free, you can always visit the manufacturer’s website or contact customer service for ingredient information.
Is there Gluten Free Toothpaste for Children?
All Oral-B toothpastes are made without gluten, and that includes kids’ toothpastes as well.
Gluten-free Oral-B Toothpaste for Baby
It’s important to start brushing baby’s teeth as soon as that first tooth makes its debut. Oral-B Baby 0-2 Years Winnie the Pooh Toothpaste, cleans teeth and gums gently. Plus, it’s formulated without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners and Dyes.
Gluten-free Oral-B Toothpaste for Kids 3+
Oral-B Kids 3+ Cars or Frozen Toothpaste comes in fun flavors and features their favorite characters to better encourage healthy habits. Designed for kids ages 3 and up, these gluten-free toothpastes help strengthen enamel and provide effective cavity protection for healthy growing smiles.
Gluten-free Oral-B Toothpaste for Kids 6+
Oral-B Junior 6+ Toothpaste is developed with dentists to help prevent cavities.
Gluten Free Toothpaste FAQs
Is Crest toothpaste gluten-free?
Yes, all Oral-B toothpastes are entirely gluten-free.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects about 1% of the population. Gluten can cause an autoimmune reaction in people with celiac disease, leading to damage in the small intestine and other health problems.
Risks of gluten in toothpaste for people with celiac disease
People with celiac disease need to be especially careful of the type of toothpaste they brush with. Even a small amount of gluten can trigger an autoimmune reaction that negatively impacts their overall health.
Are there any potential risks of using gluten-free toothpaste?
Toothpaste that is labeled as "gluten-free" or "certified gluten-free" by a reputable organization such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) poses no potential risk for individuals with a gluten allergy.
What ingredients should I avoid in toothpaste if I have gluten intolerance?
Toothpaste ingredients to avoid if you are sensitive to gluten include wheat-based thickeners, baking soda, and artificial flavorings that contain barley malt extract.
From Oral-B, the #1 toothbrush brand used by dentists worldwide.
Sources:
https://celiac.org/about-celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/
https://www.schaer.com/en-us/a/gluten-free-toothpaste
https://www.verywellhealth.com/gluten-in-toothpaste-should-i-worry-562440
https://www.beyondceliac.org/living-with-celiac-disease/dental-care/
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