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Is Arm and Hammer Peroxicare Gluten Free?

4 min read

According to the manufacturer, all Arm & Hammer toothpastes are formulated without gluten ingredients. This means that for individuals with gluten sensitivities, including celiac disease, Arm and Hammer Peroxicare toothpaste is a safe option for daily oral hygiene.

Quick Summary

This article confirms that Arm and Hammer Peroxicare toothpaste is a gluten-free product, detailing the official company stance and the specific ingredients. It explores the importance of selecting gluten-free oral care for sensitive individuals, clarifies how to identify potential gluten sources in toothpaste, and addresses the manufacturing process to ensure product safety.

Key Points

  • Official Gluten-Free Status: Arm and Hammer confirms that its Peroxicare toothpaste does not contain gluten and is manufactured on dedicated lines to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Low Cross-Contamination Risk: The use of non-shared manufacturing lines provides extra assurance for individuals with severe celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity.

  • Safe Ingredients: The product avoids gluten-derived thickeners like wheat starch, using plant-derived alternatives such as cellulose gum.

  • Celiac-Safe Oral Care: Choosing products like Arm and Hammer Peroxicare is crucial for those with celiac disease to avoid accidental gluten ingestion during brushing.

  • Consumer Verification: For maximum safety, individuals can confirm the gluten-free status by checking product labels and verifying directly with the manufacturer.

In This Article

Arm and Hammer's Official Gluten-Free Stance

For consumers with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, selecting safe oral hygiene products is crucial. The Arm & Hammer brand, manufactured by Church & Dwight, has a clear stance on the gluten status of its toothpastes, including the popular Peroxicare formula. The company publicly verifies that its toothpaste products are gluten-free.

This reassurance is vital because while toothpaste is not meant to be ingested, small amounts can be accidentally swallowed during brushing. For individuals with a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease, even trace amounts can trigger an autoimmune reaction.

The company confirms that gluten is not intentionally added to their toothpaste formulations and that they take additional measures during manufacturing. According to the Arm & Hammer website, their toothpastes are produced on dedicated lines that do not process gluten-containing products, thereby minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. This is a significant factor for those with high sensitivity.

Understanding Potential Gluten Sources in Toothpaste

While gluten is not a necessary ingredient for toothpaste, some manufacturers have historically used it or derived ingredients from gluten-containing grains. Knowing what to look for can help you identify potential risks. Here are some key points:

  • Thickeners: Some older or lesser-known toothpaste formulas may use wheat-derived starches as thickening agents. Arm and Hammer uses cellulose gum, which is derived from plants and is a safe, gluten-free alternative.
  • Flavorings: Certain "natural flavors" can sometimes be malt-derived, which would contain gluten. Arm and Hammer Peroxicare uses a mint flavor that does not contain gluten ingredients.
  • Sorbitol: Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol often used in toothpaste. While it can be grain-derived, Arm and Hammer states its ingredients are not derived from gluten-containing sources.

How to Verify a Product's Gluten-Free Status

For those who need to be extra cautious, here are the steps to confirm the gluten-free status of any personal care product:

  1. Check the Label: Look for a 'gluten-free' certification or statement on the packaging. While this is not legally required for cosmetics, many reputable brands include it voluntarily.
  2. Review the Ingredients List: Scan the list for any obvious gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. Be aware of less obvious terms like 'malt' or grain-derived sorbitol.
  3. Consult the Manufacturer: If in doubt, visit the company's official website or contact their customer service for confirmation. Arm and Hammer's website provides clear information on this topic.
  4. Use Third-Party Verification: Websites like SkinSAFE and Verywell Health offer allergen information for personal care products and have independently verified Arm and Hammer's gluten-free status.

The Importance of a Gluten-Free Oral Care Routine

For individuals with celiac disease, the immune system reacts to gluten, causing damage to the small intestine. Even minuscule amounts of gluten from sources like toothpaste can be problematic. A dedicated gluten-free oral care routine is therefore a critical component of managing the condition effectively. Beyond toothpaste, this may extend to mouthwashes, dental floss, and even professional-grade dental cleaning pastes used by dentists.

Comparison of Gluten-Free Toothpaste Options

For individuals seeking alternatives or additional options, the market offers a variety of gluten-free toothpastes. Here is a comparison of some popular brands, including Arm and Hammer Peroxicare.

Feature Arm and Hammer Peroxicare Tom's of Maine Crest (most lines) Boka Sensodyne
Gluten-Free Status Officially verified by company. All products are gluten-free. All toothpaste products are gluten-free (company statement). Explicitly gluten-free. States no intentionally added gluten, but cannot exclude trace amounts due to manufacturing.
Key Ingredients Baking soda, peroxide, fluoride. Natural ingredients, often with fluoride or fluoride-free alternatives. Fluoride, tartar control, whitening agents. Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha), fluoride-free. Potassium Nitrate for sensitivity, fluoride.
Manufacturing Dedicated, non-shared lines for toothpaste. Manufactured in facilities that may also process gluten products (check with company for specifics). Unspecified on cross-contamination risk for all products. Follows strict gluten-free protocols. Cannot exclude trace amounts due to manufacturing process.
Specialty Healthy gums and tartar control. Natural focus, eco-friendly. Wide range of specialized formulas. Enamel remineralization (n-Ha), fluoride-free. Sensitive teeth.

Conclusion

In summary, Arm and Hammer Peroxicare is officially confirmed to be a gluten-free toothpaste. The manufacturer explicitly states that gluten is not an ingredient and that the product is made on dedicated, non-shared equipment to prevent cross-contamination. This makes it a safe choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. While many major brands now offer gluten-free options, it is always wise to remain vigilant by checking labels and verifying with the manufacturer, especially for those with extreme sensitivities. The transparency from companies like Arm and Hammer provides valuable peace of mind, allowing consumers to maintain their oral health without compromising their dietary needs.

Beyond Celiac provides valuable resources for navigating a gluten-free lifestyle, including information on oral hygiene products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arm and Hammer officially confirms that its Peroxicare toothpaste is gluten-free. The company states that gluten is not included in the formulation and the product is manufactured on dedicated, non-shared equipment.

Yes, it is considered safe. For individuals with celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten can be harmful. Arm and Hammer's use of gluten-free ingredients and manufacturing practices on dedicated lines provides a high level of safety.

No, not all toothpastes contain gluten, but some historical or cheaper formulas have used grain-derived thickeners. The market has seen a shift toward more gluten-free options, and many major brands now offer products without gluten.

For those with gluten sensitivity, it's wise to check for wheat, barley, rye, or malt in the ingredients list. Some thickeners or flavorings can also be derived from grain. Reputable gluten-free toothpastes often use plant-based cellulose gum instead.

The best way to ensure minimal cross-contamination is to choose brands that explicitly state their manufacturing processes prevent it. Arm and Hammer confirms its toothpaste lines are not shared with gluten products, which is a strong indicator of safety.

While the company has a blanket statement verifying their toothpastes are gluten-free, it's best to check specific dental products like mouthwashes or floss, as ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes can vary.

Though not food, toothpaste is used orally, and small amounts can be accidentally ingested. For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, this could trigger a reaction. Using a gluten-free toothpaste eliminates this risk.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.