Hay fever. Allergic rhinitis. Spring and summer allergies. Whatever you call them, the result is the same – frustrating symptoms like a nose that won’t stop running, constant sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and much more. If you’re one of the 27 million people in the U.S. struggling with allergies, you want a solution. Sure, over the counter medicine masks your symptoms temporarily, but what about its numerous downsides? There have to be better, more effective allergy treatments, right? Keep reading to learn about the latest breakthrough in treating allergic rhinitis – toothpaste.
Yes, Allergy Treatment Toothpaste is Real
Allergy toothpaste, also known as Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy (OMIT), is a type of allergy treatment that works by introducing your body to tiny amounts of allergens. This helps your immune system build up a “tolerance” to the allergens, which decreases symptoms. The difference between OMIT and traditional allergy shots is OMIT is delivered conveniently, and effectively, via a custom-formulated toothpaste.
The entire allergy testing and treatment process is incredibly simple. Our allergy nurse will perform a combination of Skin Prick Testing and Intradermal Testing. Before you walk out the door, you will know exactly what you’re allergic to, and treatment options will be discussed. If you decide to go the OMIT route, our allergy nurse will create a custom-formulated toothpaste for you that contains the exact allergens, or immunotherapeutic agents, you’re allergic to. You use it just like you would normal toothpaste – brushing once daily (before bed) for at least two minutes (the amount of time the immunotherapeutic agents need to be absorbed by the mucous membranes in your mouth) and rinsing thoroughly. Over a period of weeks, your body will begin to build up its resistance to these compounds. This means fewer allergic rhinitis symptoms and a happier, healthier you!
While the idea of allergy treatment via toothpaste might sound a little out of left field, it’s actually incredibly effective and, believe it or not, offers a number of benefits over more traditional approaches.
The Benefits of Oral Mucosal Immunotherapy
The largest benefit of OMIT is its convenience factor. You don’t have to go through years of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy. Instead, you simply brush your teeth. You’re getting all your allergy treatment from the comfort of your home.
Convenience isn’t the only reason people are switching to allergy toothpaste, though. It offers a number of other benefits, including:
- Delivering immunotherapy agents directly to your mucous membranes
- Treating multiple allergies at once
- Avoiding needles and shots
- Higher compliance rate
- Reduced risks for treatment
This first benefit, delivering allergens directly to mucous membranes in your mouth, is especially important. Your mouth, known in scientific terms as your oral cavity, contains an incredibly high concentration of T cells (cells that help regulate the immune system). Introducing allergens to these cells leads to higher rates of absorption, which, in turn, leads to more effective treatment outcomes. This means you’ll start feeling better quicker. It’s a win-win for anyone suffering from allergic rhinitis!
So, say hello to your new, symptom-destroying best friend, allergy toothpaste! It offers all the benefits of traditional allergy treatment immunotherapy in a convenient, patient-centered form. Call Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists today at (954) 983-1211 to schedule an appointment. Led by world-renowned Rhinologist Dr. Lee Mandel, Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists is here to help you find a solution to allergic rhinitis once and for all!
