Stomach Pain After Tooth Paste: [Reasons and Remedies]

Have you ever suffered from light stomach pain right after brushing your teeth? If yes, then you aren’t alone.

A lot of people experience stomach pain after brushing their teeth, but they often overlook the problem. Stomach Pain after toothpaste can be caused due to toothpaste ingredients, oral hygiene habits, and your personal underlying health conditions.

Whether you experience occasional stomach pain or chronic discomfort after toothpaste, always understand the underlying causes and take steps to find relief. People overlook it, but stomach pain after brushing their teeth can become a major problem in the long run. To reduce the chances of stomach pain after brushing your teeth, it is important to address the problem right away. Making certain changes in your dental hygiene practices can potentially help.

For added guidance, continue reading the article and learn about remedies that may help alleviate the stomach discomfort due to toothpaste. Besides following remedies, it is also important to consult a dentist or doctor if the pain and discomfort persist.

Toothpaste Ingredients that can cause Stomach Pain

The toothpaste that you use in your daily dental care routine comprises a lot of active and inactive compounds.

These ingredients/ compounds in your toothpaste are meant to address some or other dental concerns.

For example, toothpaste helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to decay.

However, the toothpaste ingredients that are beneficial for your teeth won’t necessarily benefit your other health concerns.

Here are a few ingredients found in toothpaste that may lead to stomach pain for some individuals. For instance:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent in toothpaste, can cause stomach discomfort. In some cases, it may also lead to diarrhea.
• Fluoride, a very common ingredient in maximum toothpaste, isn’t safe if swallowed. People, especially kids, tend to swallow toothpaste purposely or condescendingly. However, excessive fluoride intake can result in stomach discomfort, nausea, and vomiting.
• Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent present in a lot of toothpaste. It is present in a range of skincare and toiletries and is safe when used externally. However, if inhaled (with toothpaste), Triclosan can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea.
• Artificial sweeteners, including saccharin or aspartame, are known to cause stomach pain, bloating, and gas.
• Menthol, though, is a very safe ingredient, but some of the discomforts of swallowing it include dermatitis, cheilitis, mouth ulceration, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Ingredients in Toothpaste may not cause stomach pain in all individuals. The ill effect varies from person to person based on one’s tolerance level and allergies. If you experience stomach pain after brushing your teeth, give a look at the ingredients in your toothpaste and check which particular compound is causing you discomfort. Try switching to different formula and see if it helps. However, if the condition remains the same, waste no time and consult a dentist/ doctor immediately.

Stomach Pain After Toothpaste- Remedies

Here are a few things that you can consider if you are experiencing stomach pain after toothpaste/ brushing your teeth.

Firstly, identify the cause. Make sure the stomach pain or discomfort is only due to the toothpaste. Figure if it is something you have recently added to your dinner, going through a diet change (Water change), environmental shirt, or more. If it is your toothpaste that is giving you stomach pain, change it for a while. Switch to toothpaste with a simple formulation. Or consult your dentist for toothpaste.

Making changes to your toothpaste might help alleviate the discomfort. If the same happens to you, it was some ingredients in your old toothpaste that were giving your stomach issues. Or maybe the toothpaste was beyond the expiry date. In some cases, the toothpaste tube that you have been using for so long may cause you discomfort. There are chances that the toothpaste has gone through some reaction by constantly coming in contact with air.

Whenever you brush, use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and never swallow it. Make sure you spit every last trace from your mouth. Repeat spitting by using water and ensure your mouth is clean and fresh after every time you brush.

Toothpaste is a crucial instrument for dental hygiene but if you are experiencing stomach pain after toothpaste, opt for dry brushing. Using toothpaste is not mandatory while brushing, and it is an avoidable step. Switch to dry brushing for your nighttime dental care routine. Check whether it helps or not. If it leads to no pain after brushing, your toothpaste is undoubtedly a culprit, and you need to change it right away.

Lastly, but most importantly, if chronic stomach pain after brushing your teeth has become usual, it is important to consult a doctor/ dentist. In circumstances when the pain is extremely high, contact the Poison Control Department urgently. The Poison Control experts will ask you a few questions, calculate the dose of fluoride or other ingredients (possibly swallowed), and will guide you rightfully.

Things to Avoid During Stomach Ache due to Toothpaste

If you are experiencing stomach pain due to toothpaste, avoid following practices.

• Avoid using the same toothpaste and switch to a toothpaste that is free of the ingredient that is causing the discomfort.
• Avoid overusing toothpaste, as it can lead to stomach discomfort. Never overdo a pea size of toothpaste every time you brush. Or use as much toothpaste as advised by your dentist. Occasionally practice dry brushing.
• Avoid eating or drinking immediately after brushing and wait for at least half an hour. This is a very important habit that will save you from stomach discomfort after brushing your teeth.
• Never drink milk or yogurt, or any other dairy drink right after brushing your teeth. Since calcium binds with fluoride, it might be giving you stomach pain.
• Avoid consuming acidic or spicy food if you are experiencing stomach discomfort. Acidic or spicy food can exacerbate stomach pain despite whatever the root cause is/was/
• Avoid consuming menthol products if you are experiencing stomach pain due to toothpaste.
• Never make an individual who is suffering from stomach pain after toothpaste throws up. Do not induce vomiting, nor allow that individual to drink water.
• Consult a dentist/ doctor right away. If it is hard to reach a doctor on time, ask for first aid on call.

Stomach Pain After Toothpaste- Additional Tips to Follow

• Switch to a toothpaste without SLS, and it can help alleviate discomfort. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), commonly found in toothpaste, can cause stomach pain.
• Use toothpaste that has natural sweeteners like xylitol or stevia. Simultaneously avoid toothpaste with artificial sweeteners.
• Reduce fluoride intake and switch to toothpaste with a lower fluoride level. However, before doing so, consult your dentist and ask for recommendations.
• Instead of using any toothpaste from the supermarket shelf, go with what your dentist recommends.
• Practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing, spitting, mouth washing, and flossing regularly, can help prevent stomach pain caused by toothpaste