Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For most people, consuming gluten does not pose any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, exposure to gluten can cause serious health problems. This has led many people with gluten-related disorders to adopt gluten-free diets, avoiding foods and products containing gluten. But what about dental products – do any of these contain gluten?
Toothpaste
Most major toothpaste brands do not contain gluten ingredients. Toothpaste is primarily made up of ingredients like fluoride, glycerin, abrasives, binders, preservatives, detergents, and flavorings. None of these common ingredients are typically sourced from gluten-containing grains.
Below are some of the most popular toothpaste brands and their gluten-free status:
| Toothpaste Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Crest | Gluten-free |
| Colgate | Gluten-free |
| Sensodyne | Gluten-free |
| Tom’s of Maine | Gluten-free |
| Hello | Gluten-free |
| Arm & Hammer | Gluten-free |
While these major toothpaste brands do not contain gluten, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should still check the label on any new toothpaste purchase. Some specialty or boutique brands may include wheat-derived ingredients.
Mouthwash
Like toothpaste, most major mouthwash brands do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. The primary ingredients in mouthwash are water, alcohol, flavors, preservatives, and binders – none of which typically come from gluten-containing grains.
Here is the gluten-free status of some popular mouthwash brands:
| Mouthwash Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Listerine | Gluten-free |
| Crest | Gluten-free |
| Colgate | Gluten-free |
| ACT | Gluten-free |
| TheraBreath | Gluten-free |
| Tom’s of Maine | Gluten-free |
As with toothpaste, individuals sensitive to gluten should still check the label on any new mouthwash purchase. Boutique or specialty brands may sometimes use gluten-containing ingredients.
Dental Floss
The main ingredients in dental floss are nylon, wax, and flavorings. None of these ingredients typically contain gluten. Leading floss brands like Listerine, Crest Glide, Oral-B Glide, Colgate Total, and Tom’s of Maine are all labeled gluten-free.
However, some dental floss contains baking soda or other specialty ingredients that could potentially be sourced from gluten-containing grains. As always, it is best to check the label on any new floss purchase when avoiding gluten.
Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes are typically made of plastic and nylon bristles. None of the major brands like Oral-B, Colgate, or Tom’s of Maine contain ingredients with gluten. However, some electric toothbrushes may employ wheat-based bioplastics in parts of the brush heads and handles. Check the descriptions and packaging carefully when purchasing electric toothbrushes.
Breath Mints and Gum
Many breath mints and chewing gums contain gluten ingredients:
- Mints and gums can contain wheat-derived ingredients like wheat protein, wheat dextrin, and barley malt.
- Flavors, binders, and other additives may be sourced from gluten-containing grains.
- Grain-based ingredients are sometimes used to achieve the right texture in gums.
Below are some leading mint and gum brands and their gluten-free status:
| Product | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Tic Tac mints | Gluten-free |
| Ice Breaker mints | Most flavors gluten-free, check label |
| Eclipse mints | Gluten-free |
| Orbit gums | Most gums gluten-free, some contain gluten |
| Trident gums | Most gums gluten-free, some contain gluten |
| Extra gums | Most gums gluten-free, some contain gluten |
Those avoiding gluten need to be vigilant about checking labels and descriptions on any breath mints or gums to ensure they are purchasing a gluten-free variety. Many popular brands offer gluten-free options, but also some varieties that contain gluten.
Dental Adhesives and Sealants
Gluten ingredients like pregelatinized starch from wheat sources are sometimes added to dental adhesive products used in applications like dentures and fillings. These products help the adhesives stick and set properly. As such, products like the following may contain gluten:
- Denture creams and adhesives
- Dental sealants and bonding agents
- Temporary dental filling mixes
Always thoroughly read the descriptions and labels of any dental bonding products and speak to your dentist about gluten-free options if you need to avoid gluten.
Whitening Strips and Gels
Most teeth whitening strips and gels do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. Their primary ingredients are peroxides, water, glycerin, polymers, and other coloring agents that do not typically contain gluten.
Below are some top whitening strip brands and their gluten-free status:
| Whitening Brand | Gluten-Free Status |
|---|---|
| Crest Whitestrips | Gluten-free |
| Colgate Optic White | Gluten-free |
| Go Smile | Gluten-free |
Leading whitening gel brands like Opalescence and Cool Teeth are also free of gluten-containing ingredients. However, those avoiding gluten should still scan labels and descriptions carefully when trying any new whitening product.
Toothpaste Dispensers
While toothpaste itself is gluten-free, some toothpaste dispensers and holders may not be. Dispensers made of polypropylene plastics are normally gluten-free. However, some acrylic dispensers may incorporate wheat- or gluten-based bioplastics. Scan descriptions carefully when selecting a new toothpaste dispenser.
Braces and Invisalign Products
Metal braces and brackets do not contain gluten. However, some of the bonding cements and adhesives used to attach braces and aligners during installation may contain gluten. Wheat-derived ingredients like pregelatinized starch help these products adhere properly to teeth.
The aligners and mouthpieces used with clear aligner products like Invisalign are also gluten-free. But any bonding adhesives employed could potentially contain gluten. Those starting orthodontic treatment should inquire about the gluten content of any adhesives or cements necessary for the procedures.
Tooth Jewelry
Tooth jewelry like grills and decorative caps are made from various metals and plastics. Most do not contain any gluten-based ingredients. However, some plastic jewelry pieces could potentially incorporate wheat-based bioplastics. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should thoroughly read descriptions and ask questions to confirm no gluten before purchasing any tooth jewelry.
Children’s Dental Products
Many parents wonder if gluten lurks in dental products made for babies and children. Here is the rundown on some common kids’ dental products:
- Most major brand toothpastes for kids are gluten-free, but check labels to be safe.
- Kids’ mouthwashes are typically gluten-free as well. Scan ingredients before buying.
- Plastic dental toys and teethers are generally gluten-free.
- Flavored dental flosses for children often contain gluten – opt for unflavored floss instead.
- Adhesives for kids’ braces could contain gluten – ask the orthodontist for details.
When in doubt, call or email the manufacturer directly to inquire about gluten content before purchasing children’s dental products.
Dental Procedure Prep Products
Certain dental procedures like root canals require pre-medication and numbing gels. The medicines used are gluten-free. However, some oral numbing gels contain wheat-derived pregelatinized starch as a thickening agent. Ask your dentist to confirm the product they use is gluten-free.
Dental dams and other isolation tools used during procedures are made of latex or silicone, neither of which contain gluten.
Dental Office Snacks
Many dental offices provide small snacks for patients after procedures. However, these snacks often contain gluten:
- Graham crackers or other wheat-based crackers
- Packages with sandwich cookies or granola bars
- Candy with gluten-based ingredients
Those avoiding gluten should let their dentist know ahead of time and ask that only gluten-free snacks be provided.
Oral Surgery Materials
Various materials like gauze, surgical cements, and bonding agents may be used during oral surgery. Gauze itself does not contain gluten. However, some wheat-derived ingredients could be present in dental bonding materials used during oral surgery procedures like:
- Extractions
- Implants
- Root canals
- Gum grafts
Ask your oral surgeon ahead of time about the presence of gluten in any of the procedural materials to be used.
Dental Impression Materials
Dental impressions are molds created to closely fit teeth and gums. This allows creation of products like dentures, veneers, retainers, orthodontics, and whitening trays. The materials used to make impressions include:
- Alginate compounds
- Silicone
- Polyether rubber
- Polysulfide rubber
None of these standard impression materials contain gluten. However, some compound adhesives used with impressions could potentially contain wheat-based ingredients. Alert your dentist about the need to avoid gluten before any impression procedures.
Dental Bib Clips and Dental Dams
The clips and fasteners used to hold protective bibs and dental dams in place during procedures are typically made of metal or plastics. Most do not contain gluten-based ingredients. However, some plastic components could incorporate wheat-derived bioplastics. Ask your dentist to confirm if the bib fasteners being used are gluten-free.
Sterilization Materials
Dental offices use various solutions and sterilization methods to clean and disinfect instruments between patients. Common sterilants and disinfectants include hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, and chlorine compounds. These standard dental sterilization ingredients do not contain gluten.
However, some surface barriers and protective sheets used when sterilizing instruments could potentially incorporate wheat-based bioplastics. Inquire with your dental office about any sterilization materials used between patients.
Anesthesia Materials
Various numbing agents and sedatives may be used to keep patients comfortable during dental work. Common dental anesthetics like Novocain, lidocaine, and articaine are gluten-free. However, some oral sedation syrups contain wheat-based alcohol solutions as solvents. Ask your dentist about sedation ingredients if you are avoiding gluten.
Dental Cements and Bonding Materials
Dental cements and bonding materials are used for procedures like:
- Securing crowns
- Attaching bridges and implants
- Anchoring braces
- Sealing veneers
Some dental cements use wheat flour as an additive to improve adhesion properties. Various bonding material ingredients like methyl cellulose ether can also be derived from wheat sources. Those avoiding gluten should inquire about the source of any cements or bonding agents used in dental work.
Conclusion
While most major dental products are gluten-free, some specialty ingredients used in certain dental applications may contain gluten. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity need to carefully check labels, descriptions, and confer with dentists to determine gluten content before using different dental products or undergoing procedures.
Being vigilant about gluten in dental products is key to maintaining oral health while keeping a gluten-free diet.