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SCIENCE
WATCH Newsletter: Allergy to Fluoride
Toothpaste – New Report
DIRECTORY: FAN > Health > Newsletter > Issue # 7 FAN SCIENCE-WATCH April 3, 2004 Bulletin #7: Allergy to Fluoride Toothpaste – New Report by Michael Connett The current issue of the journal Dermatology contains an interesting, albeit brief, case report of a suspected allergy to fluoride toothpaste. The report, which I have posted in its entirety below, concludes that fluoridated toothpaste may be a cause of “Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis”, a condition more commonly known as “canker sores.” Aphthous Stomatitis (”Canker Sores”) A quick review of research on the internet indicates that, while recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common condition, its cause is poorly understood. According to the University of Southern California’s School of Dentistry, “Recurrent aphthae or ‘canker sores’ is an extremely common and perplexing oral disease. Exact etiology continues to be obscure and treatment not particularly satisfactory.” As noted by USC’s School of Dentistry, the canker sores associated with this condition are “characterized by an exquisitely painful lesion of the movable mucosa,” which “typically begin as an area of burning or sensitivity.” (See photos). According to emedicine.com, “Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs), or canker sores, are among the most common oral mucosal lesions observed by physicians and dentists.” Considering the common occurrence of this condition, coupled with its unknown origins, the finding that fluoride toothpaste may be one of the causative factors deserves careful attention, particularly considering the ubiquitous presence of fluoride in toothpastes. Other Types of Allergy to Fluoridated Toothpaste In addition to the possible link with canker sores, fluoride toothpaste has been linked to several other adverse reactions as well. In the September 2003 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, a US dentist, Karen McCaffery, made an interesting comment. According to McCaffery:
In response to McCaffery, another dentist, Steven S. Fuchs, wrote:
So what is “perioral dermatitis”? According to the American Academy of Dermatology:
Interestingly, as with aphthous stomatitis, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that “The cause of perioral dermatitis is unknown.” Meanwhile, according to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology (Mellette et al 1976), perioral dermatitis was first described in the medical literature in the late 1950s – which, incidentally, was the same period when fluoride toothpaste first hit the market. According to findings presented in the Archives of Dermatology, this may be more than a coincidence. To quote:
Another paper, which was also published in Archives of Dermatology (Saunders 1975), presented evidence that fluoride toothpaste could cause acne-like eruptions around the mouth. To quote:
Unfortunately, despite the clearly important potential of these findings, and despite the latter author’s request that other dermatologists research the issue more thoroughly, there has been a notable lack of follow-up investigation, and a notable lack of published research. I’m sure this lack of follow-up hasn’t upset the toothpaste companies too badly, but it has undoubtedly served to stunt our understanding of one potential causative and/or contributing factor to canker sores, perioral dermatitis, and acne-like skin eruptions around the mouth. If you know anyone experiencing any of these conditions, you might try suggesting they switch to a non-fluoridated toothpaste and see what happens. ------------------------------------ See also: Science Watch #8: Allergy to Fluoride Toothpaste: Additional Info ------------------------------------ NEW REPORT: Dermatology Recurrent Benign Aphthous Stomatitis and Fluoride Allergy By Robert Brun Many years ago I consulted 2 patients suffering from recurrent aphthous ulceration to establish whether they had a toothpaste allergy. I thus proceeded to do many p-tests on the skin but without any positive results. However, replacement of the toothpaste with a simple soap quickly cured the ulcerations. A third case was referred to me with the same symptoms but in this case an unfortunate re-exposure caused a relapse of the ulcerations. At that time, it was unthinkable to speak of any kind of allergy in cases of aphthosis, and I forgot about these observations. I have been retired for a number of years, but 3 months ago, however, I was on a golf course when a competitor mentioned that she had been suffering from a painful aphthosis for many years and asked me how this condition could be ameliorated. I told her to replace her toothpaste with a simple soap. She seemed very skeptical at the time, but 10 days later she informed me that the ulcerations had disappeared.‘ Among the different specialists I consulted, why didn ’t anybody tell me this before?’ Research on the Internet reveals that numerous authors are always uncertain about the etiology of aphthosis, whilst others are beginning to suggest a possible allergy. Finally, in a recent WHO monograph, we found that fluorides easily pass through the mouth ’s mucous membrane but do not cross the skin barrier. This would explain the lack of response of ordinary p-tests. Anyway, in cases of benign aphthosis, replacing toothpaste with normal soap is not such a difficult test. Of course, not all benign recurrent aphthoses respond favorably to this test, but because of its simplicity, it would be unwise not to try it. In cases of fluoride intolerance it would also be important to eliminate, among other items, salts and beverages enriched with fluoride compounds from the family diet and pay more attention to fish and shrimps for example, which concentrate fluorides in their skin. Robert Brun,15,rue de l ’Athénée
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