Which Toothpaste Contains Gluten? A Comprehensive Guide

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

An estimated 1% of the global population has celiac disease, making awareness of hidden gluten in everyday products, including toothpaste, more critical than ever. While major brands have largely eliminated gluten, trace amounts and cross-contamination remain a concern for sensitive individuals. Understanding the ingredients and manufacturing processes can ensure a safe oral hygiene routine.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of gluten in toothpaste, including common ingredients, cross-contamination risks, and how to identify safe brands. It details a list of major manufacturers and their gluten-free status, offering practical advice for navigating oral care products for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Key Points

Check Labels and Manufacturers: Since toothpaste isn't a food product, standard 'gluten-free' labels may not apply, so always verify ingredients or contact manufacturers directly.
Watch for Cross-Contamination: Even if ingredients are gluten-free, some brands, like Sensodyne, cannot exclude the presence of trace amounts due to third-party manufacturing processes.
Common Gluten-Free Brands: Major brands like Crest, Colgate, Tom's of Maine, and Biotene offer widely available gluten-free options.
Beware of Hidden Sources: Ingredients like sorbitol or unspecified "natural flavors" could potentially contain gluten derivatives or be grain-based.
Extend Your Scrutiny to Other Products: Gluten can also be found in other oral care products, such as dental floss, mouthwash, and professional dental treatments.
Communicate with Your Dentist: Inform your dental professional about your gluten sensitivity to ensure they use appropriate gluten-free products during your appointments.

What is Gluten and Why Would it be in Toothpaste?

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. In toothpaste manufacturing, gluten has historically been used as a binder or thickener to help the paste maintain its texture and consistency. For most people, this is a non-issue, but for individuals with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity, even trace amounts can trigger an autoimmune response. Though toothpaste is not meant to be ingested, small amounts are almost always accidentally swallowed, posing a risk.

Potential Hidden Sources of Gluten

Beyond intentional gluten-containing ingredients like wheat germ oil, there are other, less obvious sources of contamination to watch for. These can include:

Sorbitol: This sweetener can sometimes be derived from wheat or grain sources, though it is often corn-derived in modern products. Manufacturers often source ingredients from third parties, and the origin of sorbitol isn't always specified.
Flavorings: Unspecified "natural flavors" may sometimes contain malt, a gluten-based ingredient. Always check with the manufacturer if this is listed.
Manufacturing Processes: Even if a product contains no gluten ingredients, it may be processed in a facility that also handles gluten. This poses a risk of cross-contamination for highly sensitive individuals. Reputable brands will often disclose this on their websites.

How to Identify Gluten-Free Toothpaste

Identifying gluten-free toothpaste requires a combination of reading labels, contacting manufacturers, and looking for specific certifications. Since toothpaste is not food, it does not fall under the same labeling regulations, so proactive research is key.

Key Ingredient Red Flags

When examining a product label, look for these ingredients that could indicate gluten content or a high risk of cross-contamination:

Wheat, barley, rye, or oat (or derivatives like wheat germ oil or malt)
Xanthan gum (unless explicitly stated as gluten-free, it can be wheat-derived)
Sorbitol (if its source is not specified)
Unspecified "natural flavors"

Conversely, a good sign is the presence of cellulose gum, a plant-based thickener that has widely replaced gluten in many modern toothpastes.

List of Major Brands and Their Gluten-Free Status

Below is a comparison of major toothpaste brands regarding their gluten-free claims. Always verify the most current information directly on the manufacturer's website, as formulations can change.


Brand	Gluten-Free Status	Manufacturing Caution	Sourcing Caution	Other Notes
Colgate	Most varieties are gluten-free.	Cannot guarantee that ingredients have not come in contact with gluten due to third-party suppliers.	Sources its sorbitol from corn, not wheat.	A widely available, generally safe option.
Crest	All current toothpastes are gluten-free.	Plant facilities do not process any gluten products, minimizing cross-contamination risk.	Confident sourcing, but always check for updates.	A very reliable option for those with high sensitivity.
Sensodyne	Does not use gluten as an ingredient.	Cannot exclude trace amounts due to third-party manufacturing processes.	Some versions may contain sorbitol that could have grain origins.	A good choice, but less assurance on cross-contamination than Crest.
Tom's of Maine	All products are currently gluten-free.	Very transparent with ingredients and processes.	Use of natural ingredients, so always verify specific flavors.	A popular choice for those seeking natural, gluten-free options.
Biotene	Confirmed gluten-free.	Specifically caters to people with dry mouth, a common issue for celiac sufferers.	N/A	Safe and serves an additional purpose for some.

The Risks of Accidental Gluten Exposure

For someone with celiac disease, accidental exposure to gluten can lead to an array of symptoms, from gastrointestinal distress to neurological issues. This is because the immune system attacks the small intestine in response to the gluten. The mouth is not exempt from this process, as exposure can cause localized reactions and, more importantly, a person will inevitably swallow a small amount of paste during brushing. For those with milder sensitivities, symptoms may be less severe but still uncomfortable.

Beyond Toothpaste: Other Oral Care Products

It is important to remember that gluten can hide in other oral care items as well:

Dental Floss: Some flavored dental floss can contain gluten in the flavoring.
Mouthwash: While most are gluten-free, some brands can use malt-derived flavorings.
Professional Dental Products: In-office fluoride treatments, cleaning pastes, and even the starch on dental gloves can contain gluten. Always inform your dentist or hygienist of your dietary restrictions.
Retainers and Oral Appliances: In rare cases, materials used in plastics for retainers have been linked to gluten exposure.

Conclusion

While the vast majority of mainstream toothpaste manufacturers have moved away from gluten-based thickening agents, individuals with celiac disease or significant gluten sensitivity must remain vigilant. Most major brands like Crest, Colgate, and Tom's of Maine offer gluten-free products, but it is always wise to check their most recent ingredient lists and manufacturing practices online. When in doubt, contacting the manufacturer directly is the best course of action. By being proactive, you can ensure your oral hygiene routine remains safe and free from gluten exposure. For more information on living with celiac disease, consult the resources available from Beyond Celiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, according to the manufacturer, all current Crest toothpastes are gluten-free. The company states its oral care plants do not process any gluten products, minimizing cross-contamination risk.

Most Colgate toothpastes are formulated to be gluten-free, and the company does not intentionally add gluten. However, they note that due to sourcing from third-party suppliers, they cannot guarantee zero contact with gluten.

Sensodyne products do not contain gluten as an ingredient. The company does state, however, that it cannot exclude the possibility of trace amounts from third-party manufacturing processes.

Gluten was historically used as a binder or thickening agent to give toothpaste its paste-like consistency. Today, most brands use plant-based alternatives like cellulose gum instead.

Not always. Some 'natural flavors' can be derived from grain or malt, which contains gluten. It is best to contact the manufacturer directly to confirm the source of any unspecified flavorings.

Yes, for sensitive individuals. While toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed, small amounts are typically ingested during brushing. For someone with celiac disease, even a tiny amount of gluten can trigger an immune response.

The presence of cellulose gum is a good sign, as it is a plant-based thickener that has widely replaced gluten in many toothpaste formulas. However, always confirm with the manufacturer, as some products with cellulose gum might still have other contamination risks.