Health: Brush Away Allergy Symptoms?

By Stephanie Stahl

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Imagine being able to brush away your allergy symptoms?  3 On Your Side Health Reporter Stephanie Stahl is here with more on a unique way to bring relief.

Millions of people suffer with allergies and need to take medication regularly, but many don't stick with their treatment.  Now doctors have developed a way to treat allergies that's easy and convenient.

Derek Lacarrubba is brushing his teeth and treating his allergies at the same time.

"It feels, tastes and works exactly the same," said Derek.  The 31-year-old is allergic to dogs, cats, trees and dust.  He's one of a dozen patients testing the toothpaste called Allerdent.  It's custom made for patients and contains extracts of what they're allergic to.

"If you can contact those extracts with the lining of the mouth then you can desensitize a patients to those allergens and essentially cure them of their allergies," said Dr. Willliam Reisacher, who developed the toothpaste.  He's studying whether Allerdent is more effective than weekly allergy shots or daily allergy drops.  It contains FDA approved extracts and is  already available by prescription in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

"People forget to do it, and also it's difficult for small children to keep a liquid under their tongue for two minutes," said Dr. Reisacher.

Derek says Allerdent has helped with his stuffy nose, and he's sleeping better and snoring less.

"I can breathe through my nose on almost all mornings," said Derek.

The toothpaste can treat up to 10 different allergies at one time.  There can be side effects including itching and tingling in the mouth.

The doctor hopes to eventually seek FDA approval so more people can benefit.

Allerdent Information- http://www.allovate.com/