While most people can tolerate gluten, those with certain health conditions need to avoid gluten. Some people, even without health problems related to gluten, choose to go on a gluten-free diet.
While some products, such as cereals and bread, clearly have gluten, there are other product groups or consumer products where gluten may be present. Some cheeses, soy sauce, even prescription medications contain gluten.
If you’re striving to be gluten-free, what about the toothpaste and mouthwash you and your family use?
Gluten-Free Toothpaste
Toothpaste is generally made with similar ingredients. Abrasives, such as baking soda, are included that act as a scrubbing agent to remove stains and help clean teeth. Other ingredients are agents to help prevent cavities and another agent to combat tartar buildup.
Gluten is used in some toothpaste as a thickening agent. While some toothpaste brands use a type of cellulose gum-based thickening agent, others may include corn or grain starches. For those suffering from gluten intolerance or trying to avoid gluten, you’ll want to read the labels of toothpaste.
While several brands offer gluten-free toothpaste options, be sure to read the labels to determine if gluten is an ingredient in what product you will use. Below are some name toothpaste brands that state they offer gluten-free toothpaste products:
- Tom’s of Maine
- Crest Pro Health
- Aquafresh
- Colgate
- Arm & Hammer
- Oral B
- Sensodyne
- Biotene
- Oral Essentials
Gluten-Free Mouthwash
Mouthwashes tend to be made of more complex ingredients than toothpaste. As a result, you may have to undertake more research and read more labels to feel confident your mouthwash doesn’t contain gluten. Many consumers call the customer service line for mouthwash brands to ask, explicitly, whether gluten is present in the mouthwash product.
Closys and Jason are brands that offer gluten-free mouthwash. It is reported that Scope and Listerine mouthwash are gluten-free, as they are made without grain source alcohol. The culprit in many types of mouthwash is the alcohol that is used to destroy bacteria. Alcohol is often grain-based as the source, which means gluten has been, or is, present.
To be sure your mouthwash is gluten free, why not make your own? One simple, gluten-free mouthwash you can make and use every day is easy to make with a great, minty taste:
- One cup of distilled water
- One tablespoon of baking soda
- Four drops peppermint oil
- Four drops tea tree essential oil
Place these ingredients in a jar, cover with a lid, and shake. Swish and gargle immediately for 30 seconds and spit out and rinse out your mouth. A clean mouth and fresh breath, all gluten-free!
