Crest Pro-Health – Fool Me Once, Shame On You. Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me!
Some of you faithful readers may remember my nasty experience with the Crest Pro-Health Night mouthwash. It burned the bejezus out of my tongue! This in spite of the “no burn” non-alcohol formula. I mean it literally chemical burned my tongue to death. All of the little papillae really were being melted right off. So much so that my tongue was actually bleeding! Just from using Crest Pro-Health mouthwash a couple of times. I had to discontinue use. Obviously. It was bad. Very very bad.
Well, it having been a long time, and I, looking for a new toothpaste to try, decided I’d give Crest and their “Pro-Health” line another try.
Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste
I know, stupid me, right? My wife even told me so. She asked me if I was crazy when I picked it up at the store. But surely it would be better. This, after all, was gum-protection toothpaste. Surely the Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste would be gentle and protective of my mouth’s soft tissues like my gums and tongue and cheeks, right? I mean that is the point of it after all, right? So surely this time would be different and this Crest Pro-Health dental product would be safe for me to use. Right?
WRONG!
It’s been three days now. I gave it an honest chance. But once again, I’ve been burned. Literally. Chemical burned!
My dead cheek tissue, thanks to Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste.
You see all that white stuff on my finger there? No, that’s not snot, but it is gross! That’s what used to be my cheeks. Thanks to Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste, my cheek tissue has been chemically burned right out of my mouth, like acid, each and every time I brushed my teeth. Every time!
It takes about an hour. By then my tongue, which also hurts by the way, can start finding the dead cheek tissue, which just peels off of the cheek wall like old wallpaper. Before long every last part of my cheek lining, over and under, side to side, all of it, gone. Each time. Every time. Five times now. It isn’t getting better. In fact, it’s only hurting worse.
Obviously, once again, I’m forced to discontinue use of a Crest Pro-Health product. As it is not “pro-health” in any sense of the phrase for me. Besides the chemical burns, it also is making me pretty nauseous. Could be because my body just doesn’t enjoy being chemical burned. Could be that it’s not only causing acid-like burning, but also some kind of poisoning. Above and beyond the usual fluoride.
Now, obviously, your mileage may vary. Perhaps you’ll not be chemical burned by Crest Pro-Health products at all. I’d have to assume that the majority of the world isn’t, or else there’d be like massive product recalls and class -action lawsuits and goodness only knows what.
And I’m sure, were I the kind of ___-hat that sues on the drop of a dime I could make some case to do just that. Because these Crest Pro-Health products really are causing me serious damage, dental problems, and making me sick.
But I’m not that kind of guy. I just simply refuse to touch another Crest Pro-Health product ever again. Crest has permanently lost me as a customer. Not just out of principle, but for my own health!
I’m sure in a couple of days it’ll all heal up. Especially since this time I was cautious enough to discontinue use before it burned my tongue like last time. All I lost this time was some of my cheek tissue. And my breakfast.
But I’m also not going to just let this slide and take the whole world unawares. So I’m letting you know, severe chemical burns are a possible side-effect of using Crest Pro-Health products! Beware. Be warned. Be careful. If this is happening to me, this could happen to you. If you use a Crest Pro-Health product and you notice any unusual burning of your tongue, cheeks, lips, or gums, discontinue use immediately! It will heal, in time. But not if you keep using the Crest Pro-Health product that burned you.
Jason Porter:
I’ve noticed the same problem with the toothpaste (and other whitening toothpastes [just happens to be what we have], and Listerine Cool Mint and Total Care mouth wash). I think I have limited two different ingredients to being the culprits: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium benzoate. Both seem to do it to me, unless it’s something else that I’ve overlooked. Though it may be the extra sodium with all the ingredients, honestly not sure. Interestingly enough the Crest Pro Health mouth wash doesn’t do it to me (I can rinse my mouth at night and be completely fine when I wake up).
Have you been able to isolate any ingredients that do this to you?
October 10, 2010, 10:24 pmHeather Groom:
Hi! Thanks for this blog. I was actually just writing my own blog account about this atrocity called toothpaste! I had the exact same reaction from this same toothpaste. I was also using the Crest Pro Health Complete mouthwash and for the last 4 days have not been able to taste anything because my tastebuds were so burned. its getting better but there is still an awful taste in my mouth. Anyways just wanted you to know you were not the only one! I thought i was just weird until i started doing some research! Crest sucks! Im switching to colgate!
October 21, 2010, 10:42 pmBrian Heimer:
same here… in fact it hert like a b!@#$ and if I would have known about it would not have bought it.
November 4, 2010, 3:20 pmDawn:
I used the toothpaste for about 3 weeks when i woke to the lower front gums swollen and painful. I stopped using it. It was the only thing I had changed. Over the next 1 1/2 weeks my gums got worse spreading to being my whole mouth. I couldnt eat, sleep, talk, 1000 mg. of ibprophen did nothing, orgel was a joke. I couldnt stand the pain anymore and went to the E.R. The dr. told me I had hives on my checks, gums, in between the gums and teeth, and down my throat. After a shot in the tush, 6 days of anti-imflamatory steroids, and a week of benadryl, my gums are no longer swollen, the have receded and my teeth are lose. I cant bite anything. I also woke to white snot on my teeth and gums. So looks like I’m on my way to false teeth. Thanks Crest!
December 10, 2010, 3:13 pmPam:
I started using this toothpaste three weeks ago. My mouth started peeling almost immediately. It has continued until now my lips are burning, my gums are sore and swollen, and my throat hurts. The picture above is exactly what has been happening to me. I will stop using the toothpaste immediately. I hope my mouth recovers quickly.
January 10, 2011, 12:11 amema:
I wish I knew this before it happened to me too. It was just gross, I thought I had mouth cancer, until I found complaints online. My mouth was….lets just say infected, ruined my gums…but I am recovering….I had to go to a walk in clinic, since I could not wait any longer. Called crest and reported it…guess what??They offered me a free tube of toothpaste…THERE IS NO WAY I WILL USE CREST EVER AGAIN…honestly, I already quit using this brand…I hope they pull it off the shelves…Also, I will have more complaints to do…FDA??
March 1, 2011, 2:39 amGOOD LUCK and thanks for sharing the info
ema:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/cosmetics/crest.html
March 1, 2011, 2:40 amhere is more info
Sherri:
Having recently tried this product and developed the burn symptoms after a couple days, I am sure glad I did some googling to figure out what was causing it (I had suspected my new Crest Gum Protection toothpaste). I am switching back to the “hippy” stuff.
March 4, 2011, 12:21 pmTamara:
After about a week of using using Crest Prohealth toothpaste I developed a sore under my tongue. I thought that maybe I had irritated it my rubbing it against my teeth. A week after that I developed three more sores. I wondered if it might be the toothpaste since that was the only thing different that had changed. I stopped for a couple of days and the sores started to feel and look less irritated. I resumed use of Crest Proheath and almost instantly the sore were inflamed and later my gums started to bleed while I brushed. I had just had a dental cleaning about a month before, so there should have been no reason for them to do so. I am just sorry that I had not tried it first before I had bought 4 tubes.
March 19, 2011, 5:02 pmJackie:
I purchased the Crest Vivid toothpaste and Pro Health mouthwash just over a week ago and I have had a raw mouth with what feels likes canker sores and a white film coming out of my mouth ever since. From what I’ve read on the internet “Crest” seems to be the culprit. I swith toothpastes all the time and have never had this problem before. How long does it take to clear up?
April 26, 2011, 4:51 amdli:
The chemical burn started in 2 or 3 days, with swellen lip, painful sores. Afer switching to other toothpaste, the sores healed in days. After a while, I forgot the suffering, and used the still mostly unused Crest Pro Health again, the chemical burn developped even more quickly than the first time. I have stopped using Crest Pro Health now, but the sores hurt a lot still, after 3 days of being Crest free. No more Crest in my life!
May 5, 2011, 11:04 pmAdrumm:
I am having the EXACT same symptoms. I cannot believe there is not a list of possible side effects on the box. my whole mouth feels like i gargled with bleach!!
May 6, 2011, 11:06 pmPissedOff:
OMG… I have been using Crest Pro-Health on and off for months.
May 10, 2011, 6:47 pmI had first used the Sensitivity version and recently tried out the GUM Protection version, since I noticed I had some receding issues.
Having a root canal retreatment recently, I blamed all my pain I was experiencing to the fact my mouth had went through recent dental trauma and that just had be the cause. But the recession in my gums has just been getting worse since I started using this product.
I am starting to think after reading your blog and some other sites, including Consumer Affairs, that this toothpaste should be taken off of the market.
Please keep me informed if you hear of any Class Action suit against the Crest company.
I am absolutely convinced that their toothpaste is a big reason behind my recent gum issues.
Julie:
After using crest pro health tooth paste… My gums were very painful and it felt like my teeth were going to fall right out of my mouth. I have also had that goo on the sides of my cheeks and gums were it was as if my skin inside my mouth was deteriorating. I had also used the pro health mouth wash and it made my teeth feel like they were just going to crumble. I thought I was having some kind of allergic reaction, now I know different. These products are far from healthy…. They have actually caused me to have dental problems on an otherwise healthy mouth.
May 25, 2011, 9:38 amAmy:
Why is that crap still on the market! All u guys should get together and sue crest for causing u new problems. Glad I read this I was considering this product!
June 14, 2011, 11:18 amNoah:
Why do you assume it is damaging your gums? Is it not just as possible, if not more likely that the toothpaste is just removing the dead surface layer of cells so that they new pink tissue under it can take it’s place? I use the toothpaste as well and I do notice what everyone is referring to. But after it has been removed, which is made simpler by drinking lots of water (again healthy for your teeth, hmmm). But all in all, it has made my much healthier overall. I do agree however, the side effect should be mentioned and people informed. Because of the change in flouride used in the tootpaste, it would also be possible some people are more sensitive. But please ensure you are getting all the information before making assumptions and claiming something as fact.
June 20, 2011, 3:14 amCarrie:
I have used this tooth paste (pro Health Gum Protection) for a week and the results were the same for me! My lips are VERY swallen, the skin around my lips are burned and have small sores developing. I experienced the gross goo in my cheeks as well.
June 25, 2011, 12:39 amJulie:
Since my last post, I have been to my dentist to discuss the problems this toothpaste has caused. I already had one surgery, a gum graft where the chemicals made my gums slough off and expose much of the root of my tooth. my gums are still sore 6 weeks after i stopped using this product and my gums are now more sensitive any sort of chemical in toothpaste and mouthwash. I can use only natural products now or I will experience severe burning. after years of having a perfectly healthy mouth, I now have severe gum damage and need extensive dental work
July 4, 2011, 3:11 pmRovin:
This is by far the worst toothpaste I have ever used. I started using this toothpaste and noticed the white substance sticking between teeth that grossed me out. I asked my Aunt in New Jersey who said she had the same problems and then I tried researching it online on Google and hit upon this article. This guys need to be sued for having such a disastrous and harmful product out in the market without any proper warnings.
I called up my cousin who is a dentist and he asked me to stop immediately as he said that some of the chemicals involved in the toothpaste are very harmful and can burn your cheek. This, he said might also result in your gums wearing off. I am going to the Dentist very soon now. This guys have put up a product in market without proper testing and its causing irreparable damage to dental tissues.
I can be reached at “rovin_1988@yahoo.in”. I also tried calling customer service but its 8PM now and their office is closed. I am going to call them tomorrow and ask them to do something about it.
July 7, 2011, 7:40 pmSteph:
The first time I used this, I had the cheek skin stuff coming off so I stopped. But I had this free toothpaste coupon from my dentist, so I decided to give the “Pro-Health sensitive teeth” toothpaste a chance. A week later, I had ulcers under my tongue and on my gums. I was trying to figure out what caused it, and then it hit me! Anyway, my mouth is healing up, but I had to buy this expensive prescription mouthwash to take care of the pain in the meantime.
I will be calling customer service and my dentist to lodge a complaint.
July 15, 2011, 9:02 amWendy:
I just started using this toothpaste as well and had the white film as I’m brushing which is disturbing. A day or two later, sores arrived. Being unsuspecting, I continued using it until I got suspicious of it and finally came across this article. Dx They really should take this off the market or put warning labels on it where the consumer could find it easily. Now, I’m off to buy myself a brand new tube of toothpaste. Never gonna trust this brand again.
July 15, 2011, 7:48 pmAmanda:
I used this exact toothpaste for about a week…not thinking that it was the toothpaste causing me swollen gums/lips…extreme!! my lips were triple the size!! I have pictures, its gross. Not only the lips, but my gums began to bleed!! I was extremely alarmed cause I have never had ANY dental issues like that. Then 4 days into using the toothpaste I have canker sores in my mouth, never had them before. So I finally realized that its the toothpaste and stopped using it last night and used new toothpaste and wow…what a difference…no more burning and I hope all goes back to normal fast!! Think its time to start using more natural products without all the “extra” hidden ingredients and do our teeth some good instead of damage.
July 22, 2011, 10:21 amDebra:
I’ve used other Crest Pro-Health products and never had any problem, but the Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection is the worst toothpaste I’ve ever used and should be taken off the market immediately! It lists “Sensitivity” as one of the tooth problems it addresses, yet it apparently contains no potassium nitrate, which is the active ingredient in all sensitivity relief toothpastes. After using it for three days, my front lower tooth area began aching so intensely that it ruined my afternoon at a concert. I took ibuprofen, but it didn’t help the pain. On the way home from the concert, I stopped at the store to get some Sensodyne and a few hours after using it, the pain began to lessen. Now, three days later, the aching is completely gone, but my gums are still quite sore; sore enough to make me google to see if anybody else has had a similar problem! It’s absolutely shocking to see how many people have posted on this page!
July 27, 2011, 7:58 pmGrace:
I usually never comment on anything on the Internet but after using the Crest ProHealth mouthwash I am inclined to share my experience.. And to urge, in all seriousness, a collective lawsuit.
I’ve only used the product ONCE and I have lost all sense of taste. the disguisting aftertaste will not vanish, and there are little pieces of gum-like residue sticking to my teeth and gums. I’ve never had this experience with any other product. After reading re other consumer reviews, I firmly believe legal action should be taken against Crest and P&G. Did any of you guys ever watch Erin Brocovich? We need to fight for our rights like she did.
July 29, 2011, 4:29 pmCraig:
“I’ve used other Crest Pro-Health products and never had any problem, but the Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection”
I second that statement. I’ve been using the Pro-Health line for years without issue. But I switched to the “Gum Protection” six months ago and began to experience all sorts of mouth/throat. These are the symptoms I’ve experienced on and off for six months…
1. Dry/chapped lips
2. Occasional cankers/ulcers in the mouth
3. Dry mouth and throat
4. Mucus in throat
5. Swollen tongue and checks
I went to an ENT and he diagnosed me with reflux but two months into the medication and nothing improved. I don’t believe I have reflux. I stopped using “Gum Protection” three days ago and the mucus in the throat problem is now 95% better. I’m only 36 years old and don’t smoke but I’ve spent the past six months thinking I had throat cancer and it APPEARS to have been the toothpaste all along. I’m glad many of you figured it out much quicker than I did but I just never suspected that a popular toothpaste from the leading toothpaste manufacturer would be so unhealthy.
August 1, 2011, 7:38 pmMilene:
Hi,
I’m having the same problems with Crest Pro-Health Whitening (cold mint) toothpaste, here in Brazil: Creme Dental Oral-B Pro-Saude. Red and swollen gums, that white thing you showed in the pic, a burning tongue, swollen lips, dry mouth and throat, etc etc. I even thought I had oral cancer!! The symptoms lessened when I discontinued it, 3 days ago. But I still feel the discomfort. I get so angry every time they show that stupid add on TV. We should make all the world get to know that!!
August 6, 2011, 2:11 pmMelissa:
I totally agree with the publisher of this website, and all the readers who have experienced the same as he did. With the exception of Noah, apparently he did experience some side effects, but seems unaffected and is possibly a sales person for Crest or has shares in the company or at least receiving royalties for the sales. Not sure why you would look at a possitive side, when all of us people are suffering, that is just not normal!!! I pray to god your children are not using this crap either.
August 15, 2011, 7:21 amMy boyfriend bought this toothpaste because it was “on sale” and gave me a tube, and the first time I used it my mouth kind of burned but felt cleaner. I continued to use it over a period of about a month. About 2-2 1/2 weeks ago, I started experiencing numbness, kind of like when you get frozen for dental work. I too had the white goo in my mouth, and the numbness and swollen gums, lips, mouth, etc. It continued over a week and I thought it was a little weird but didn’t think toothpaste could be the culprit, and kept on using it. I continued to have these symtoms and got extremely sick with flu shortly thereafter, thinking it was maybe just that. In the past week I have frantically been searching the net because I too thought maybe I had mouth cancer or something, and on the weekend it finally occured to me it must be this damn toothpaste and immediately stopped using it. Well it’s Monday morning and I decided to search online and gee guess what I find, mostly complaints about this product. I will never use this crap again. Hopefully all of us will recover with little side effects or damage from this.
Lynne:
I had the same reaction – the peeling skin on my gums. At first I thought it was a normal reaction to rid my gums of damaged skin, but it never stopped. Pretty soon I began to feel numbness on my gums, lips and tongue. This morning I woke up to a severe allergic reaction. My lips were swollen so bad, I could not close my mouth.
August 21, 2011, 6:09 amjr:
I called crest today and complained about this product as previos posters. They denied ever recieving any complaints about this product- Where is a good class action attorney?
August 24, 2011, 5:17 pmelle:
So I had a milder reaction, so it went unnoticed for longer with me. First, the toothpaste, I was getting the horrid white gunk after brushing, but I read that this could be very thick saliva, and so I thought because the toothpaste made my mouth quite dry, that it was just that. I didn’t even realise it was my mouth tissue! this is disturbing. Anyway, on to the pro-health mouth wash (the purple one). I used it for a few weeks, and every couple of days my tongue was getting sore and tingly with little red spots, and my food didnt taste right (hardly any flavour, and just weird). Well my husband suggested It was the mouthwash, so I looked it up and found SO many complaints about these products. I stopped using the mouthwash a few days ago (stopped the toothpaste quite a while back) and the weird tongue thing has stopped, and my food tastes better, but I’v just started noticing that my gums seem to have receded slightly. i don’t have gum disease (no bleeding, redness, swelling or pain etc. and even had a dental cleaning just yesterday), so I have come to the conclusion that it’s these awful ‘pro-health’ products! I’m really quite upset about it all. I can’t believe they are allowed to keep selling it! disgraceful
August 25, 2011, 1:10 pmMike:
Started using the Pro-Health mouthwash for a week now and notice dead tissue/speck every time I spit after use. Figure it was helping and normal. Bought the Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection and used it for 3 days with the mouthwash and it got worse. More tissue came out when I spit. What is going on. Did some googling and found this site and many other with the same problem. Anyone know how long this last and will I get my mouth back to normal. I will NEVER be using ANY Crest Product again.
What toothpaste/mouthwash do you guys recommend now?
August 28, 2011, 7:24 amEric:
Hey if it does that to your mouth, just think what it does to germs!
Holy crap dude, it did that to your mouth and you used it 4 MORE TIMES??? What does “fool me 5 times” mean?
Interestingly I found your page because I saw an ad for this stuff, and have simply be trying to find out what the damn ingredients are and Google brought me here. Apparently Crest doesn’t think it important enough to list on its site, and places like Amazon selling it don’t bother to list them either. After reading lots of experiences like yours I’m half expecting the active ingredient to be hydrochloric acid.
Here is my advice: Do not put things in your mouth made by giant heartless conglomerates. Natural Dentist (that’s the brand name) tooth pastes and mouthwashes are gentle and effective. They have the same important ingredient that all brands of toothpaste have (fluoride) but nothing that belongs in a floor cleaner instead of your mouth. If you are concerned about tartar and gingivitis try Periogen and / or a water pic (or other brand irrigator).
September 1, 2011, 6:34 pmteresa:
I have experienced the same as all of you…Crest pro-health I have contacted Crest and they have said they might pay my medical bills to four Dr. This product I believe has caused a non reversible diseases called Lichen plan-is How do all of you feel about what to do? As for as Crest is concerned…
September 3, 2011, 12:52 pmTina:
Can any of you tell me what toothpaste you went to after all this happened. I can’t find any toothpaste that isn’t advanced, or total or whitening. I just want toothpaste.
September 15, 2011, 1:42 pmNancy:
I wish I had seen this blog before trying the toothpaste. My gums are sore and I wondered if I was brushing too hard or had eaten something disagreeable. Normally, I have healthy gums and problem free teeth (no cavities, will to go my grave with them according to my dentist) so I was beginning to worry. The only change I can think of is switching to Crest Pro-Health.
September 29, 2011, 6:34 pmKarlee:
Who would think to do research on toothpaste before using it unless they were allergic to a specific ingredient?
I am so thankful that I am conscious of how “normal” feels to me. I started noticing these symptoms, and I tried to write them off. After a few weeks of wondering, I thought it HAS to be the toothpaste.
I am hoping that I stopped using it in time to save my mouth. I can’t believe some of the problems many of you have had!
I am hoping this stuff gets pulled from the market, but it may take a lawsuit to make that happen.
October 17, 2011, 10:27 amJJ:
I’ve been using the mouthwash for about a month or so, and about three weeks ago, I noticed how my food didn’t taste like anything anymore. If it did taste like anything, it tasted like metal! I honestly thought it had something to do with the excessive amount of vitamins my doctor prescribed me, and stopped those… I used the crest complete, that new one they’re marketing, for the first time Saturday night. As I begin to floss, I notice I can’t feel my top gums, and my gums are bleeding like crazy. I look up the toothpaste, and see all of the complaints for the mouthwash instead! It’s driving me mad! My lips are numb and my gums are throbbing!
October 17, 2011, 6:51 pmJohn:
I bought the Crest Clinical Pro Health toothpaste a 4 days ago and began using it. The second day I noticed I had NO SENSE OF TASTE anymore. I couldn’t figure out what was causing this because I haven’t changed anything else in my daily routine. I started to think it was perhaps the new toothpaste. After reading all of these complaints, I’m sure it is. This product should be removed from all shelves. There is something seriously defective about it.
October 21, 2011, 5:37 amJohn:
I bought the Crest Clinical Pro Health toothpaste 4 days ago and began using it. The second day I noticed I had NO SENSE OF TASTE anymore. I couldn’t figure out what was causing this because I haven’t changed anything else in my daily routine. I started to think it was perhaps the new toothpaste. After reading all of these complaints, I’m sure it is. This product should be removed from all shelves. There is something seriously defective about it.
October 21, 2011, 5:37 amPam Butts:
I bought my first Crest Pro Health toothpaste in June and headed to the beach a few days later. The third day at the beach I awoke with swollen lips, cheeks and tongue. My face itched, also. I thought I was having a reaction to the sun or a sun/medicine reaction (thyroid and hormones. I stayed out of the sun the rest of the trip, but by the 6th day I could not eat at all. I had painful sores in my mouth and on my tongue. On the 7th day I visited a walkin clinic and was treated with Lidocaine wash and Lortab for canker sores. My mouth improved but for the last 4 months has felt “funny”. My tongue feels like it’s been burned and every time I eat or drink the inside of my mouth and lips feel puckered and dry–like I’d just been sucking on a lemon. I still thought that it was a sun/medicine issue since I work outside a lot. However, finally talked to my pharmacist yesterday and he did not think any of my meds would cause this. Talking to a friend yesterday she asked if I’d changed toothpastes. It hit me like a brick. YES, I bought Crest Pro Health Care right before this started. I’m on my third tube now. (It’s going in the trash). We immediately got online and found hundreds on entries complaining about this toothpaste and the mouthwash. I CAN’T BELIEVE it has caused so many problems for so many and is still on the market. Or at least, does not carry a warning. I am so angry that I have been so miserable for so long–when this could have been prevented.
October 30, 2011, 2:51 pmDave:
Whoa, thank you for this info, I thought I was having an allergic reaction to some food I was eating. I have the exact same issue. MY tongue is the size of my fist and it feels flat out burnt. I haven’t been able to eat or drink without being in a great deal of pain! Thanks for the post !
November 1, 2011, 8:09 pmCindy:
Thank you! Add me to the list! I was stopping medications thinking it was because of them that i was having mouth issues. Thirsty all the time, dry lips and mouth, gums hurting like crazy. But who would think Crest toothpaste!? My kids realized it was causing them canker sores and it just hit me…and I finally just googled it!
November 6, 2011, 10:18 pmeunji:
Oh, thank you for posting this. I bought a pack of this (5). I have exactly same problem. I won’t use it anymore. Can I get refund?
November 10, 2011, 7:38 amDanell:
OMG wish I would have known before using this AWFUL product I am physically in PAIN! Only used it once and away in the trash it goes …my mouth has been on fire for over an hour and my lips too
why oh why Crest do you not pull this product ( and any others like it) off the self. If the suffering does not end soon, I’m seeking some monetary rewards for my pain!
November 13, 2011, 10:50 pmPat:
I used Sensodyne with SLS. Stopped that when my mouth started the burning, soreness, etc. Then went to Tom’s Toothpaste. Things got worse. Finally went to my physician and she said it was the SLS. That was 3 months ago. I feel my taste buds are damaged and not sure if I will ever get them back to normal. There are many toothpastes with these ingredients in them and there certainly should be a big warning label…or…taken off the market. I’m just hoping my mouth will get back to normal and I can taste again. No fun.
November 14, 2011, 1:42 pmKristi:
My daughter had her tongue pierced on Friday night and was told to rinse her mouth after eatting anything. They recommended Crest Pro Health. She used it many times for 24 hours and then we figured out we her entire mouth was on fire. The only thing that seems to relieve the pain for a minute is holding cold water in her mouth. She has been up all night, unable to sleep from the pain. Pieces of flesh are peeling off the insides of her cheeks. I am at a total loss as to what to do to help her…to at least relieve some of her pain and discomfort. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!
November 21, 2011, 6:22 amDorothy McClellan:
Thank you for posting your experience online. I used Pro-Health Toothpaste a few times. One evening before I went to sleep I brushed and felt burning in my gums. I went to sleep and awoke a few hours later with my lips and face swollen beyond recognition. My throat was closing up and I was having trouble getting air down my swollen throat. I went to the emergency room. I was having an anaphylactic reaction. An allergist tested me for nuts and berries because he thought that this was the cause since I had eaten that the night I got the reaction. This occurred again after 9 months when I used the toothpaste again on a trip to Rome. I again ended up in an emergency room. It was then that I realized the reaction coming after brushing. I changed to another toothpaste, but after having my teeth cleaned at the dentist and warning the hygienist not to use anything but the new special toothpaste I was using to polish my teeth, she polished them but with much more of the toothpaste than I was used to. A couple of days later when I brushed, the anaphylactic reaction began again! I have been in contact with a naturopathic physician who pointed me to your website and to wikipedia’s discussion of sodium laurel sulfate. I’m quite convinced now that this is the cause of my problems. I will look for a toothpaste that doesn’t have this ingredient. I believe it is in most detergents and shampoos, too.
November 29, 2011, 6:20 amCarole:
Count my mouth as another ruined by the Crest pro-health toothpaste. I used this toothpaste for three weeks before figuring out that it was the toothpaste causing all my mouth problems. I also had the skin sloughing off as well as swollen tongue and cheeks, painful sores on the inside of my cheeks gums and sides of tongue and lips. Redness and sores at corners of lips, loss of the sense of taste. It is six weeks since this started and there has been little to no improvement. I did end up going to the doctor about it yesterday. I now am on antibiotics for infection and have to use a special mouth rinse. I am amazed that this product is still on the market. How can the Crest people get away with this? They know this is happening. They should have pulled these products off the market. I think it is criminal that they are allowing these injuries to continue to happen to people.
December 3, 2011, 10:33 pmTC:
Anyone contact Proctor & Gamble on this? Any responses? Anyone know if there are plans for a class-action lawsuit?
December 15, 2011, 2:29 pmbrian:
I used crest pro health cum protection product after getting my braces removed in hopes as I had mild gum recession prior to using this product. Although I have not experienced any of the severe symptoms as the rest of you the toothpaste failed to “reverse” gum recission and actually made them relatively(not “severely”)worse. Therefore (as by my case) this product fails to live up to what it promises even when one is immune to the adverse side effects.
December 17, 2011, 2:18 amcarly Moore:
Oh my goodness. I have a really bad sore mouth .I have had a very sore canker sore behind my top front teeth.It will not heal.For 5 weeks I have suffered from it.I did not think it could be my toothpaste.Now I see it probably is.I went to bed crying last night my gums are sensitive all over.I had to take ibuproven to ease the discomfort.I feel so silly using this but I had faith in the company.i trusted them even when tissue sloughed of my mouth just like the photo.My floss cut straight through my gum near the top teeth where canker sore is maing it bleed like crazy. I hardly eat now.I clean and floss my teeth really well but gently so I know this is not a dental hygeine problem.
December 27, 2011, 7:15 amI am scared I have done permanent damage to my mouth. It is on my mind 24/7 due to soreness. I am scared I may loose my teeth as my gums are inflamed.
I have never complained about a product.i wish i could go to court over this-I really do!!!!
I wish you all well.
Thank you for setting this page up!!!!
Mrs. B:
I’ve been using ProHealth rinse for three weeks. Taste buds are non-existent. Today my gums bled when I flossed. I have never had my gums bleed, even with professional cleanings. No more Crest products for me. My gums should not bleed, I floss a minimum of once daily, sometimes 3 times.
I will be rinsing with salt water from now on, as it soothes gums, and helps keep the tongue clean. For anyone with non-healing canker sores, try putting some almond extract (from the grocery baking aisle) on a cotton swab, and hold it on the sore for a minute or two. It will heal the sore in about a day.
December 29, 2011, 12:07 pmHolly:
I have been using the Crest Pro Health clinical gum protection for about a week. I have a sore tongue, sore mouth, and 2 huge canker sores on the side of my tongue. The only thing new for me is the CREST toothpaste. I am stopping it immediately and hope my mouth heals quickly. It feels like it’s burnt and is painful. I have been on Tylenol for the pain in my mouth all weekend. I’m so glad I looked at this website. Shame on P&G. What good is a product that so many people are having reactions to? It should be taken off of the market immediately.
January 8, 2012, 9:00 pmMonica:
I too have just been a victim of Crest Pro-Active toothpaste. I have endured, dry mouth, the burned sensation on my inside bottom lip and the worst of it all was the pain on my left cheek bone! I was convinced I needed a root canal or that I had a sinus infection the pain was so bad. I too, was taking Advil and Tylenol every 2 hours for days! I was often over come with the pain and would begin to cry. My gums felt like they were receding on both my eye teeth.
I am so upset about this needless and careless company. It is on my mind all the time. I have stopped using the toothpaste for several days and some of those issue mentioned above have cleared up however the pain in my cheek bone is still there.
I have mentioned this to my husband who also had canker sores on his tongue and one of my friends had blisters on her lips both while using Crest Pro-Active toothpaste. My husband and I had the mouthwash first and I had issues but am only now am I seeing the connection to both the products and all the crap my mouth has caused me over the year. After calling the dentist they told me some of them had also had issues with the toothpaste….. Geez.
How this company can still sell this stuff blows my mind. I will never use any P&G product again, they have let me down in a VERY painful experience.
I am not stopping telling anyone with ears about my experience and hopefully stop them from going through something similar. Tell everyone you can and maybe just maybe they will pull it.
January 8, 2012, 10:34 pmLeena:
I used Crest Extra Whitening with tartar protection several weeks ago and started noticing a strange sandpaper type feeling along my gum line. It is discolored and seemed to be spreading. I went to the dentist, and they didn’t know what it was. I know that everyone has mentioned the ProHealth line, but has anyone experienced this symptom with the extra whitening with tartar protection? I also have some sore spots on the roof of my mouth. I hope someone responds!
January 10, 2012, 11:31 amCharlie:
Who ever made Crest ToothPaste has to be the dumbest person ever!! I had brushed my teeth hoping the mint numbing taste would leave because I had some sweet potatoes and mozzarella stix in the oven baking, and I was ready to eat them after I had my teeth cleaned and everything ALL OF A SUDDEN my taste buds are not there WTF LOL? I tried eating some chips ahoy cookies ( THE TASTE IS VERY LOUD ) I eat one and I could only taste it when it got to the back of my tongue lol this is serious people the tip of my tongue is numb from the SO-CALLED best toothpaste in the world.
January 26, 2012, 12:51 pmLynne:
How long do these symptoms last? I can’t taste anything. All the tissues of my mouth are swollen. Did I do permanent damage? I had an abscessed tooth and was using the Crest Pro Health mouthwash over a dozen times a day for a few days in a row. Can someone tell me how long it will take my mouth to heal?
January 28, 2012, 6:38 pmkate:
i was wondering why my tongue burned like hell when i used that mouthwash…and after reading some of these comments, i also have to wonder if my gums being red, swollen and sore has anything to do with the mouthwash. there’s also like a blister above my front teeth that occasionally leaks because i can taste it. i thought it was because of my canine tooth being sore, that maybe it’s abcessed and i need a root canal and thats why that sore is there. but now i’m wondering if all this isn’t caused from the mouthwash. i’ve also noticed the areas of my gums that aren’t red and swollen are white. i’m going to see the dentist to be sure and in a way, it’ll be a relief if it IS just the mouthwash and nothing “serious” like a root canal. but still, a mouthwash should NOT cause this much damage, its ridiculous.
February 6, 2012, 8:19 amLeigh Ann:
Wow, I guess It’s not some weird pregnancy symptom. I am stopping use and going to the dentist. I have a very sore scalded tongue that started by feeling dry and also felt like I had rubbed it raw against my teeth. How can a company get away with making products like these? I have been using crest complete multi-benefit about 2 wks.
February 10, 2012, 6:34 pmMaureen:
I started using Crest Clinical Gum Protection toothpaste and about after a week I started getting an extremely dry tongue accompanied by a severe burning sensation on my tongue, lips and throat. I thought I had an adult form of thrush or worse. Since I’ve used Crest Pro-Health products before and never had a reaction I didn’t attribute my problem to the toothpaste. Two days ago I started brushing my teeth with baking soda and water and the dryness is almost gone and the burning sensation is gradually going away. How does the FDA allow a product like this on the market?
February 17, 2012, 6:51 amAnrim:
Thank you for posting the picture, I was googling the same symptoms and found your post. I thought it was just me who was experiencing these peeling issues. It’s gross but after reading so many complaints about crest pro-health toothpaste, I’m throwing mine right now!
February 18, 2012, 9:37 pmMrs C Moore:
WEll my first comment was in december and it is now nearly the end of feb and I am still in severe pain.My top front teeth are the worse.My dentist said they look puffy and sore-not from poor oral hygiene but he thought it was a systemic cause-my mouth looks so dried out afer using this product and I have not used it for weeks but I am in severe pain still and distress.My top tooth feels clicky and lose.my dentist did a root planning in case something underneath was irritated but no it did not work.This toothpaste is poison.I am in a deep depression now that my teeth will fall out.My doctor and dentist can not help.products like this can ruin people’s lifes. i am losing hope that my gums will ever heal.
February 20, 2012, 6:08 pmJD:
I too used this product and have stopped using it 3 days ago. I also got a painful canker sore under my tongue, extreme dry mouth and developed the nasty film of dead skin and swollen tongue after using this product for 3 weeks. My wife however is using the product and feels fine although she did have the dead layer of skin develop when she first started the product.
February 23, 2012, 12:22 amLL:
Has anyone contacted a lawyer about this? I have suffered for 6 months with burning mouth symtoms. Had to have my braces removed because of the pain. And have spent lots of money going to doctors before figuring out the problem. I am still not back to 100%. Arah, are you willing to facilitate legal action? I think this is a no brainer. We just need to all get together and collect names and be willing to participate in dealing with this.
March 4, 2012, 7:26 pmBethany:
I had painful swollen gums and cheeks after using Crest Pro health but I never connected it until just now. We switch toothpastes all the time depending on what’s on sale. Guess I know why this was cheaper, but why on earth are they still selling it???
March 6, 2012, 3:58 amLalania:
Wow! I’m absolutely shocked…well, I guess I shouldn’t be shocked that the FDA has allowed this and millions of other products to be sold to the public. I started using this toothpaste, probably months ago because I, like others, thought it would be good for my gums and whiten too. What’s so bad about that, right? Now, like others, my gums are receding and my teeth are all spacing out! I’m absolutely freaking out! I’m not a vain person, but I think a smile is one of the first things people notice and I’m terrified of losing my teeth. I’ve always had good teeth…never even had a cavity!!! I’m nearly 40 years old! I’m going to the dentist on Friday, but after reading these posts, I don’t hold out much hope that anything can be done about it. I definitely think there needs to be a class-action suit brought against Crest for this. I’m going to start looking into it. I am SO thankful for this site though that helped me see that I’m not crazy or imagining things. I hope the best for all of us.
March 7, 2012, 9:46 amLalania:
Here’s a little update to what I just posted. I just called Crest to make a complaint. The FIRST thing they told me is that they had NO previous complaints regarding this toothpaste!!!!! What a crock of CRAP!!!!! We all know that’s a lie! They barely apologized for what I’m experiencing and offered to send me a refund for the last tube I purchased. REALLY??? What I want is the money it’s going to cost to have my dental care covered. I’m devastated!!
March 7, 2012, 12:16 pmapril:
I have been having that same exact goo in my gums after using crest pro health gum protection toothpaste it’s DISGUSTING. My family doesn’t have any complaints that I know of.. I don’t have any pain. Why don’t they discontinue use?? Ugh sooo gross!
March 12, 2012, 8:01 amMrs. K Sullivan:
I thought that the pain in my gums and mouth was gingivitis or something wrong with my teeth. I wondered why the dentist didn’t notice anything wrong when I went to him with a tooth that had chiped.
I was searching on line for symptoms of gingivitis, thinking that it might be the problem. The symptoms, however were not what I was experiencing. I searched my symptoms and found this website. After reading several articles, I went upstairs looked at my tube of paste, and sure as anything, it was “Crest Pro Health”. I was frantic, as my 8 year old, as well as my husband are also using Crest. What is wrong with a company that sells a product that can possibly damage people’s teeth and gums. I will never use this product again, and I WILL tell EVERYONE about the possible danger.
THANK YOU TO ALL FOR YOUR HELP! Hopefully now, I can be on the road to recovery along with everyone else.
March 14, 2012, 5:39 amSummer:
I too used this product and I have experience servere burning in my entire mouth… I will stick with colgate
March 27, 2012, 11:13 amLisa:
Both my hubby and I used the mouthwash only one time and our taste buds have been killed. Cant taste sugar or salt. I put a tsp of salt on my toungue and couldnt taste it! I called the customer number on the back of the bottle and sent in my reciept for a refund. FDA where are you??? This stuff has gotta be banned! I poured it down my bathroom sink drain and it hasnt drained this well ever! $5.99 drain cleaner called Crest Pro Health Clinical Rinse!
April 6, 2012, 4:51 pmalison:
I was using Crest pro health rinse and crest whitening toothpaste for about a month. I got the same reactions many have gotten, burning tongue, skin sloughing off inside of mouth, canker sores, terrible dryness. I have stopped using the products for about 3 weeks. the sores have gone away and my tongue feels a little better, but my mouth is dry still and my lips stick to my teeth. I’ve started using Biotene products. My doctor says she’s heard similar stories and says the whitening ingredients absorb into your teeth and it takes 6 months to a year to finally resolve. My dentist didn’t seem to have much to say, however.
April 19, 2012, 3:11 pmIhatedschool:
Just a question, but does anyone ever look at the fluoride content of these toothpastes? That was the first thing I noticed about that toothpaste. I also lost a good bit of my cheek tissue like everyone else, I kinda figured it would since the fluoride concentration is higher than what others have. I cut down on the amount I was using. I went from using a huge glob, like what I’d use from other pastes, down to a pea sized amount. A little bit goes a long way. I can totally get over the loss of cheek tissue because of the benefits of all that fluoride on my teeth. I’m old school like that. I don’t mind making my cheeks regen a bit extra. I also noticed that this fluoride concentration takes much MUCH more rinsing to get rid of the excess. Swallowing fluoride is BAD for your kidneys. It will cause kidney stones! We have a power jet shower head, I removed all the water savers to give it the extra pressure, I usually hose my mouth out like a cheap back alley prostitute to get rid of as much excess as possible. It’s an elaborate setup I know, but Iv’e done alot more for alot less. Iv’e also done alot worse. Tell ya what folks, If you don’t want that hard core toothpaste, mail it to me. I’ll gladly take it off your hands.
April 30, 2012, 3:16 amShari:
I have been using the pro-health night time mouthwash for a little less than a week and the tip of my tongue burns like hell for at least a few hours afterward and I looked at it tonight and i saw red raised bumps that look like they are starting to part and burn off. My husband said it isn’t affecting him but he couldn’t deny what he saw on my tongue!
May 1, 2012, 9:15 pm