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Are FODMAPs in Toothpaste and Mouthwash a Problem?

Last updated on Sep 9th, 2019 Authored by Alana Scott     Reviewed by Joanna Baker (APD)
FODMAPs in Toothpaste and Mouthwash

If you’re a label reading ninja then you might have noticed that many toothpaste and mouthwash brands can contain high FODMAP polyols like sorbitol. We get so many questions about this issue that we thought it was time to have a chat. Before you panic and throw your toothpaste into the bin, let’s look at if the FODMAPs in toothpaste and mouthwash are actually a problem.

What FODMAPs appear in toothpaste and mouthwash?

Toothpaste and mouthwash are normally sugar-free to help protect our teeth. This means manufacturers often use polyols to sweeten their oral hygiene products. Polyols are the ‘P’ in the FODMAP acronym and are sugar alcohols. These won’t make you drunk but can trigger gut symptoms in some people. When reading ingredient labels lookout for sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt, xylitol and lactitol.

How do FODMAPs trigger symptoms?

Here’s a quick 101 lesson on how FODMAPs can trigger gut symptoms. When we eat a high FODMAP food it passes through our mouth, down our throat and into our stomach where the food is broken down by our stomach acid. Next, the food molecules pass into our small intestines and some of the food molecules are absorbed through the intestinal walls. FODMAPs are not absorbed in the small intestine and it’s here that they start to draw in water. Next, the FODMAPs pass into the large intestine where they are fermented by our gut bacteria creating gas which can lead to bloating, distension, altered bowel movements and other gut symptoms. High FODMAP foods feed our gut bacteria which is a good thing, however in sensitive people they can trigger gut symptoms.

So, does that mean you need to avoid FODMAPs in toothpaste & mouthwash?

My question for you is – are you drinking your mouthwash or eating your toothpaste? I’m hoping you’re not otherwise we might have a bigger issue! Essentially FODMAPs only cause issues when you eat them and they pass through your digestive tract to your large intestine.

The take-home message here is to spit out your toothpaste or mouthwash. If you do this, then you aren’t eating the FODMAPs in your toothpaste or mouthwash and they shouldn’t upset your gut. Even if you swallow a little bit of residue, the amount of FODMAPs is still likely to be well within low FODMAP limits.

So stay calm everyone, brush your teeth and FODMAP on!

I think I’m reacting to my toothpaste/mouthwash – what should I do?

If you still think you’re reacting to your toothpaste or mouthwash, then it’s really important you chat to a dietitian. There are other food chemical compounds in toothpaste that can trigger symptoms in some people.

Are you ready to take control of your gut symptoms?

YES I WANT TOO!

No thanks, my gut is perfect.

According to accredited practising dietitian, Joanna Baker, toothpaste is particularly high in Salicylates. These aren’t FODMAPs but are a type of food chemical that can cause gut upset (amongst other symptoms) in people who are sensitive to them for a different reason.

If you think you’re having issues with your toothpaste, then your dietitian is the best person to help you figure out what is going on.

Accredited Practicing Dietitian, Joanna Baker is an expert in both FODMAPS and food chemicals and can provide you with an online consult.

Final Thoughts

Don’t panic if you find FODMAPs in your toothpaste or mouthwash! The FODMAPs in the products are unlikely to cause you any issues unless you actually eat them. If you think you’re having issues with your oral hygiene products then have a chat to a dietitian.

Author: Alana Scott

In 2013, Alana was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She also suffers from coeliac disease, is allergic to nuts and is intolerant to dairy products. This means she understands how difficult it can be to cook with multiple food intolerances. Her exp... Read More

Professional Reviewer: Joanna Baker (APD)

Joanna is a foodie, an accredited practising dietitian and a registered nurse, who is passionate about digestive health. She now works exclusively in IBS and food intolerance in her Melbourne based private practice Everyday Nutrition. Joanna works alon... Read More

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Alana Scott

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Mar 30

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What happens when a hot cross bun and a muffin have a baby? You get hot cross bun muffins!

This new low FODMAP and gluten free recipe is pack full of Easter flavour. 

I took the warm and fragrant spices and fruit you find in hot cross buns and wrapped them into a glorious muffin instead.

They are delicious, a little sweet with a light delicate crumb (go gently when you cut them), and they are oh so good smothered in butter or dairy free spread.

FYI the dried fruit I've used in the recipe has a low FODMAP serving size so you can enjoy these in the first phase of the low FODMAP diet.

Follow my bio link for the recipe or head to alittlebityummy.com
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#hotcrossbuns #muffins #easter #glutenfree #lowfodmap #glutenfreerecipes #lowfodmaprecipes #fodmap #fodmapfriendly #coeliac #glutenfreelife #dairyfree #ibsdiet #inmykitchen #foodphotography

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Mar 6

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Happy Sunday everyone. Who needs a weekend pick-me-up? I know I do. I promise you this recipe won’t disappoint.

Say hello to my low FODMAP cheesecake.

It has a golden crunchy biscuit base layered with a smooth and tangy vanilla cream cheese filling and topped with pops of passionfruit. If you are not a passionfruit fan, then that’s okay just sub in your favourite fruit.

This recipe is low FODMAP (yes there is lactose free cream cheese) and gluten free. You can find the recipe on alittlebityummy.com or follow my profile link.

PS I’d also love to know your favourite cheesecake flavour so leave me a comment below👇

#lowfodmap #glutenfree #coeliac #glutenfreerecipes #fodmapfriendly #cheesecake #cheesecakelover #glutenfreelife #foodphotographer #foodintolerances #lowfodmaprecipes #passionfruit #weekendtreat #feed52 #inmykitchen

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Mar 1

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It’s meatless Monday! What’s on your dinner menu today? Leave me a comment below 👇

On our menu is a low FODMAP vegan chili.

#chilli #veganchile  #tummyfriendly #foodintolerances #ibs #fodmapfriendly #fodmap #glutenfree #glutenfreelife #coeliac #fodmap #lowfodmap #meatlessmonday #inmykitchen

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Feb 26

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End of summer veggies are the best and these roasted eggplants are call my name right now.

These are super simple too - roast the eggplant in oil, salt and pepper until golden and tender. Smother in golden sunshine tahini sauce and sprinkle with toasted seeds.

If you are low FODMAP the 1 small-medium eggplant = 4 servings.

Sunshine tahini dressing:
1 tsp garlic infused oil
1.5 tsp gluten free soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp water
3 tbsp tahini
1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup

Place in a jar and shake until well combined.

This recipe is part of our premium FODMAP recipe club (along with 700+ other low FODMAP recipes).

#lowfodmap #fodmap #roastedeggplant #aubergine #vegan #seasonalfood #glutenfreeliving #coeliac #foodintolerances #food52 #inmykitchen #nutfree #nutrition #plantbased

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Feb 22

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I'm stuck at the office and I'm staving! Definitely didn't pack enough snacks today... if I could I'd be drinking this right now.

Give me a ❤️ if you want to be drinking this too. Say hello to my low FODMAP strawberry and rhubarb smoothie.

Strawberries and rhubarb make the best smoothie buddies. It might sound like an odd combo but the tanginess of the rhubarb pairs super well with the sweetness from the strawberries to create a refreshing and vibrant drink.

1 serve 👇

🍓140 g (1 cup)fresh or frozen strawberries
🍓60 g (1/4 cup)stewed rhubarb
🍓250 ml (1 cup) low FODMAP milk 
🍓2 tsp pure maple syrup (add to taste) 
🍓1/2 tsp vanilla essence
🍓6 ice cubes (use if you are using fresh strawberries)

METHOD
Slice the strawberries in half, be super careful doing this if they are frozen. Place all the ingredients in the blender. Add the ice cubes if your strawberries aren’t frozen.

Blend until smooth. Taste and add a little bit more sweetener if it’s too tangy. The tanginess will depend on your stewed rhubarb (ours wasn’t sweetened).

Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy! 

FYI this recipe is also in our premium recipe club.

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Feb 13

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It’s brunch time! It’s also Valentine’s Day so I thought I’d treat my man to a cooked breakfast. Say hello to my Greek scrambled eggs.
 
Serves 2:

1 medium-sized ripe tomato (diced or grated)
1 tbsp fresh chives (finely chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)
2 tsp garlic infused oil
2 tsp olive oil 
3 eggs (beaten)
Salt and pepper

Fry the diced tomato in the garlic infused oil for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid reduces. Then add the olive oil, chives and parsley to the pan along with the beaten eggs. Season with salt and pepper. Move the egg mixture gently around the pan for 1 to 2 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

Serve on toast of your choice (we used gluten free bread). Enjoy!

Do you have a favourite brunch meal? Tell me below 👇

#FODMAP #brunch #valentinesday #lowfodmap #glutenfreerecipe #coeliac #foodintolerances #glutenfreelife #brunchdate #lowfodmaprecipe #dairyfree #foodphotographer #inmykitchen #scrambledeggs #eggs #breakfast #glutenfree
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Comments

  1. Erica says

    September 5, 2019 at 11:56 pm

    Thank you for this article – this addresses such a big misconception on the FODMAP pages.

    Reply

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