The Paste the Dental Hygienist Uses Makes Me Sick. What Should I Do?
Posted on 6/15/2024 by Dr. Anna Grace Clayton
Over 100 million Americans are allergic to something. Common allergies include tree pollen, grass pollen, dairy products, and animal fur. You may not have thought of this, but you can be allergic to nearly anything. Here are some suggestions of what to do if you think you are allergic to the dental paste the hygienist uses to polish your teeth after cleaning them.
What Does It Mean to Have an Allergy?
If you have an allergy, it means you have an overactive immune system. Your immune system is supposed to seek out bacteria and viruses, surround them, and destroy them so you do not get sick. However, for people with allergies, your immune system thinks grains of pollen, animal hair, or even dust are bacteria or a virus, so it gets right to work. Your system begins to make your eyes water, your throat close, and your nose run to get rid of the illness it thinks you have. Allergies can range from a little inconvenient to life-threatening.
Some immune systems produce intestinal symptoms rather than sneezing and coughing. These symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea as part of the allergic reaction.
How Can I Be Allergic to Toothpaste?
According to the American Dental Association, about one percent of all Americans suffer from an allergy to toothpaste. The symptoms of a toothpaste allergy can range from a rash or eczema to cracked and swollen lips to stomach issues. There are some common allergens in toothpaste you may be allergic to.
One of the most common allergens in toothpaste is fluoride itself. You could also be allergic to the foaming agents, essential oils such as tea tree oil, preservatives such as paraben, or gluten, which is used to thicken the toothpaste.
What Should I Do?
Luckily for people with a toothpaste allergy, there are hypoallergenic toothpastes available. There are also gluten-free toothpastes you can use. If the only time you have a problem is with the dental toothpaste your hygienist uses, talk to our dentist or hygienist about changing the type of toothpaste they use to polish your teeth. Be sure to get in touch with our office today to make an appointment to speak to the dentist or dental hygienist.
Dentist Pontotoc, MS | About South Main Dental At South Main Dental, we always strive toward excellence, providing dental services in a comfortable and caring atmosphere and respecting our patients' time. South Main Dental, 209 S. Main Street, Pontotoc, MS 38863-3319 - 662-489-7768 - southmainsmiles.com - 3/15/2025 - Related Terms: dentist Pontotoc MS -
Over 100 million Americans are allergic to something. Common allergies include tree pollen, grass pollen, dairy products, and animal fur. You may not have thought of this, but you can be allergic to nearly anything. Here are some suggestions of what to do if you think you are allergic to the dental paste the hygienist uses to polish your teeth after cleaning them. 