Living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity requires constant vigilance about what goes into your mouth, and dental care products are no exception. Gluten can be found in unexpected places, including toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and even orthodontic retainers. This guide will help you navigate the world of dental care with a focus on gluten-free products, ensuring your oral health routine is safe and effective.
Toothpaste is essential to daily oral hygiene, but not all brands are safe for those avoiding gluten. Gluten can be used as a binding agent or in flavorings. When choosing a toothpaste, look for brands that clearly label their products as gluten-free. The following are well-known brands that claim that all of their products are gluten-free*:
For example, according to Colgate, “we do not intentionally add gluten to any of our other products. Although we obtain our ingredients from reliable and trusted suppliers who maintain our high standards for safety, quality, and efficacy, we cannot guarantee that the ingredients used have not come in contact with any gluten. Sorbitol is an ingredient which can be derived from grain and may be found in toothpastes. Our sorbitol is corn-derived.”
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.
Dental floss is another crucial component of oral care. While it may seem unlikely, some floss can contain gluten, especially if it’s flavored. Here are a few gluten-free floss brands*:
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.
In a case study from 2013, it was discovered that a child with celiac disease was being negatively affected by a plastic retainer. This was because gluten is sometimes an additive in methyl methacrylate (MMA), a compound in the plastics used to create retainers. When the child stopped using the retainer, their symptoms improved.
It’s important to understand that this was only a single case and is not a common occurrence. If your celiac disease is well-managed and you use a plastic retainer, there’s no need to get rid of it. However, if you or your child needs a retainer or mouthguard, it’s worth asking about the materials used. If possible, consider choosing a metal and acrylic retainer instead of a plastic one.
MMA can also be found in fixed and removable dentures, temporary crowns, and denture repair materials. It’s worth chatting with your dentist, dental hygienist, or orthodontist about avoiding products with MMA.
Teeth whitening products can contain gluten, including strips, gels, and rinses. To maintain a bright smile without risking gluten exposure, consider these gluten-free whitening products:
Mouthwash is typically gluten-free, but it can be a hidden source of gluten. The alcohol used in mouthwash can be derived from various sources, including grain. Ethanol, the alcohol commonly used in mouthwash, can be produced by fermenting sugars from grains like wheat, barley, or corn. However, it can also be derived from other sources, such as sugarcane or grapes. Also, it’s important to note that mouthwash can contain additional flavors, colors, and additives which may contain gluten. Because of this, it’s important to read through the ingredients or choose a well-known gluten-free product such as the following:
*Any information on the gluten content of particular brands shared above was obtained during the last update of this page. Be sure to check with the manufacturer for the latest info or if you have any questions.
Maintaining oral health while living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity requires careful selection of dental care products. By choosing gluten-free toothpaste, floss, retainers, whitening products, and mouthwash, you can ensure your oral hygiene routine is safe and effective. Always read labels and consult your dentist or orthodontist to make the best choices for your health.
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