With growing awareness about gluten allergies, nowadays you can easily find a gluten free range at bakeries, restaurant menus, and super market shelves as well as in tooth pastes. These toothpastes are made without gluten, a protein that's found in typical food ingredients, such as wheat, rye and barley. Although there is a common misconception that gluten is only contained in food, the protein is also hidden in a variety of everyday skin and oral care household consumer products. In toothpaste, gluten is used as a binder, thickener or stabilizer, and this indigestible substance can quickly irritate the digestive tract if those with a gluten intolerance or allergy. Such individuals therefore need to take special care and watch out for the products they consume or come in contact with. This includes even dental and oral care products that they don't swallow like toothpaste. As long as it is coming in contact with oral mucosa it has the potential to pose a threat.
Causes and Symptoms of Intolerance
Celiac disease is a more serious condition than gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an auto immune condition in which the body is unable to tolerate gluten and triggers an immune response causing inflammation to and damaging the small intestine. This prevents the small intestine from absorbing nutrients. In such patients the slightest bit of gluten can initiate an immune response if it is eaten or accidentally swallowed, even a bit of toothpaste from tooth brushing.
Gluten in the system of a celiac patient can cause gastric disturbances as well. Here are some of the effects of consuming gluten in an intolerant person:
- Abdominal cramping
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Constipation
- Distended stomach
- Nausea
Gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity has the same symptoms as the ones stated above for celiac disease except it is a less severe condition and not auto immune. There is no permanent damage to the small intestinal lining.
Is It Healthier To Go Gluten Free?
In America today, there is a growing trend for consumers to gravitate toward gluten-free alternatives in almost everything they might buy. Gluten free toothpastes can offer the same cleansing effect as regular toothpaste, as many of the active ingredients are the same such as, xylitol, baking soda and calcium phosphate. Xylitol helps prevent cavities and promotes the flow of saliva, particularly benefiting those with dry mouth. Baking soda neutralizes harmful acids and helps to remove surface stains. Calcium phosphate can help with tartar control, as it is a gentle abrasive that can help remineralize certain areas of your teeth. Other ingredients no less present in gluten free products include water, fluoride, acacia gum and natural flavorings such as mint and clove oil.
SprinJene Natural Toothpaste
SprinJene Natural Toothpaste range has a patented black seed oil formula and along with that incorporates the following natural ingredients which are known to combine together to make an excellent tooth paste:
Black seed oil - Known to have excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
Zinc- Helps control the growth of bacteria, plaque and tartar thereby promoting healthy gums. ADA Approved
Acacia gum - A natural organic binder
Xylitol and Stevia- non cariogenic natural sweeteners. Xylitol helps promote saliva production and prevents tooth decay. It is also ADA approved.
Coconut oil - Helps lubricate oral surfaces to bring comfort to dry mouth sufferers and may help to prevent tooth decay after some enzyme digestion.
Green apple and Mint extracts - Taste modifiers with cooling sensation.
Aqua - Solvent to solubilize salts. Formulation aid.
Silica- Natural abrasives to assist stain removal.
Glycerin - Glycerin is a non-carcinogenic and a Non-GMO humectant that helps protect our formulas against bacteria growth and keep the product moist.
In addition to these properties SprinJene is a certified Gluten free toothpaste making it 100% safe for people suffering from Celiac disease and gluten allergies.
