The potential side effects from using the Crest Gum Detoxify toothpaste can be teeth staining, fluoride toxicity, SLS reactions, and allergies. These are all adverse reactions that may occur due to the ingredients in its formulation.
Despite all of that, there hasn't been any reported negative reactions to this new crest toothpaste. After all, it is FDA approved and has the ADA (american dental association) seal of approval on it. Nonetheless, we will explain how these four side effects can occur and what you can do to minimize their negative effects.
Potential crest gum detoxify side effects:
Teeth staining
Brushing with the crest gum detoxify toothpaste can potentially cause teeth staining or discoloration on the enamel due to the stannous fluoride.
Yes, the same fluoride that is meant to prevent cavities can cause stains on your teeth. It is a well known side effect that has been demonstrated in studies to form a yellow-golden discolorations.
How stannous fluoride stains teeth:
Stannous ions react with sulfur in the mouth to form stannic sulfides, which has a yellow gold color.
The stannous ions come from the toothpaste while the sulfur is naturally occurring from the resident bacteria in the oral cavity.
If you wanted additional proof of this cosmetic anomaly, look no further than the warning label on the toothpaste!
How to get rid of the staining
Fortunately, this type of staining from the crest toothpaste is of extrinsic origins which means it can be removed with good oral hygiene.
How to remove it:
Adequate toothbrushing. The directions on the box actually say that if you brush your teeth well, the discoloration should be well minimized.
Dental cleaning. If you have trouble getting it off you can always have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist or hygienist.
Teeth whitening. The discoloration isn't severe so any of the OTC whitening products such as the strips, pens, and trays should remove them easily.
For full transparency, stannous fluoride based toothpastes were the first type of fluoride to be used but it was shortly pulled off the market due to staining. They were replaced by sodium fluoride toothpastes for the longest time until recently when a breakthrough in formulation has drastically reduced the staining of it.
Fluoride toxicity
The crest gum detoxify is a fluoride-based toothpaste which means all of the concerns about fluoride toxicity and overdose are valid. When it is used responsibly it can provide a plethora of benefits for your teeth but if used irresponsibly, it will result in adverse effects.
Fluoride benefits:
Anti-cavity.
Antibacterial.
Anti-sensitivity.
Strengthens enamel.
Remineralizes and reverses cavities.
Fluoride adverse effects:
Colorado brown stain
Neurotoxicity
Fluoride overdose (Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pain)
Skeletal fluorosis
Dental fluorosis
Thyroid problems
There are a lot more alleged side effects but according to the CDC there has not been any convincing scientific evidence that links fluoridated water with any severe adverse health effects including a fluoride allergy.
Of course taking too much of anything will be bad for you so use in moderation. Brushing your teeth twice a day with this shouldn't result in any harmful effects especially if you don't swallow afterwards.
How to minimize toxicity
The safest thing that you can do for your own health is to ensure that you spit the toothpaste out after you finish brushing. Do not swallow any of it because all of the harmful effects are from excessive fluoride intake.
If you simply spit and rinse properly you shouldn't have any issues. The directions even tell you to do so. Also, not to throw a wrench into it all but we are aware that the NHS does recommend that you don't rinse after brushing with fluoride. We understand the reasoning for that but if you are concerned about fluoride safety, it is definitely safer to rinse after brushing.
SLS adverse reactions
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is a very powerful detergent that is used in toothpaste to help cleanse teeth. This potent cleaner comes with its own list of pros and cons.
Pros:
Removes plaque and food.
Leaves teeth feeling very clean.
Inexpensive ingredient.
Uses less toothpaste.
Great foaming and lathering.
Cons:
Potent detergent that strips away natural oils in the mouth.
May prolong canker sore healing time.
Potential irritant.
Potential allergen.
Decreases efficacy of fluoride.
Overall, the SLS can be very drying on the mouth and it can potentially make canker sores worse or heal slower. Although research studies have stated that evidence is mixed when it comes to the apthous ulcers.
Unfortunately if you have adverse reactions to SLS-based products, your only option would be to discontinue use of the crest gum detoxify. Perhaps a SLS-free dentifrice would be better for you.
Allergic reactions
There are various ingredients within toothpaste which can be a potential allergen and the crest pro health gum detoxify is no exception.
Gum detoxify ingredients:
Stannous fluoride
Water
Sorbitol
Hydrated silica
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium gluconate
Carrageenan
Flavor
Sodium citrate
Xanthan gum
Zinc citrate
Sodium saccharin
Stannous chloride
Sucralose
Titanium dioxide
If you've experience past allergic reactions to any of the above ingredients, you could very well develop an adverse reaction if you use this.
Toothpaste allergy signs:
Cheilitis - lip inflammation
Dry lips
Cracked lips
Sensitivity or mild burning sensation
Unfortunately, you cannot remove any of these ingredients individually from the dentifrice. Your only option once again would be to discontinue use and switch to another toothpaste.
