We often think that natural products are safe. But that assumption can mislead us at times. People may develop unexpected allergies or contact dermatitis in reaction to such natural products. One reader who loves the flavor of cinnamon found that cinnamon toothpaste irritated her mouth badly.
Cinnamon Toothpaste Linked to Sore Mouth:
Q. I used Crest Complete Cinnamon toothpaste for three days. Now I have sores under my tongue, on my gums and inside my mouth.
I feel there should be more of a warning for toothpaste. I love cinnamon and can eat it but I guess I cannot use cinnamon toothpaste.
Cinnamon Sensitivity:
A. You are not the first person to report a sensitivity reaction to cinnamon. People have reported mouth irritation from cinnamon in chewing gum, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash and lip balm.
Back in 1990, Scottish dental researchers reported that some patients are sensitive to cinnamonaldehyde, a component in cinnamon toothpaste (British Dental Journal, Feb. 10, 1990). More recently, Canadian scientists warned dermatologists that cinnamon in candy, chewing gum, mouthwash, lip sunscreen, cinnamon toast and toothpaste can cause contact dermatitis in the mouth (Dermatitis, May-June, 2015). The concentration of cinnamon oil in such products may be higher than in food.
Cinnamon on the Face:
Another reader had an unpleasant reaction when she tried to use cinnamon as a facial mask. Here is her story:
“I applied a cinnamon mask to my face just to give it a try after reading about it online. As soon as I had put it on, my face started burning. I quickly washed it thoroughly but it was too late. It left my skin beet red and burning. I won’t try that again.”
It is entirely possible that such a reaction to cinnamon on the skin could signal that this person should avoid cinnamon toothpaste and mouthwash as well.
We have also heard from people who developed severe mouth irritation from taking cinnamon capsules. You can read that report here. Another person found that the cinnamon flavor in the polish the dental hygienist used caused irritation and now reminds the dentist not to use it.
