Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Wild Flavor Trend

By Dr. Linda Niessen
Monday, November 22, 2004

STORY:  WILD FLAVOR TREND
SCRIPT #583  SHOOT:  11/2/04
AIRDATE:  Monday, Nov. 22, 2004
DHC MASTER #20  Timecode: 20:30

Fluoride toothpaste promotes good oral health. And now, new toothpaste flavors are causing both smiles and frowns. Vanilla, cinnamon, citrus and extreme mint. These are some of the newest flavors of toothpaste that may cause some people to have allergic reactions. Dr. Linda Niessen explains in this Dental Health Check.

Amy Daglish tried one of the flavors and discovered a sensitivity to one ingredient.

"Really, it just causes my gums to get red and puffy and I experience a little bit more bleeding when I brush."

Amy had an allergic reaction to cinnamon flavoring.

"The strong cinnamon flavors cause redness in certain people's gums," said Amy's Dentist, Dr. Mary Swift.
 
Some patients are sensitive to an ingredient in tartar control toothpaste.

"The active ingredient that is in the tartar control formula control toothpastes can cause some sensitivity," said Dr. Swift.

Stronger flavored toothpaste is safe and will not cause reactions in the mouths of most people. But if you change brands and notice a change in your gums, lips, or tongue, you may have an allergy.

"Generally, we recommend that they go back to their regular toothpaste," said dental hygienist Kara Webb. "And if going back to what they had been using for years causes the burning sensation that they have to stop, then chances are their new toothpaste was the problem. Sometimes you can change toothpastes and not have any problems. Other times, you change brands and within a short period of time, you notice something is different."

Amy Daglish has found several brands of toothpaste that cause no problem for her.

"Just to go for the straight, traditional cavity protection formula," said Amy.

All of these different toothpastes offer more choices to consumers. For most people, the ingredients do not cause problems. So have fun with the new flavors and if you have questions, talk to your dentist or hygienist. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News. 

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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