Do you suffer from mouth irritations, especially canker sores? Canker sores can make it difficult or painful to eat and talk. Not to be mistaken for cold sores, which are outside the mouth, canker sores, (aphthous stomatitis) are inside the mouth and are not contagious. There are many things that can cause canker sores. Some medications, genetics, stress, estrogen shifts, acidic foods, cinnamon oil, minor oral trauma from biting, braces or even popcorn can contribute to canker sores. One thing that may be affecting your oral environment may be your toothpaste!
Research states toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are associated with mouth irritations, especially canker sores. This ingredient is in MANY types of toothpaste, so we have compiled a list of over-the-counter toothpastes that do not contain this ingredient. We were more successful finding these products at Walgreen’s and on the Internet.
The list is as follows:
Over-The-Counter Toothpastes with no sodium lauryl sulfate: CloSYS, any Sensodyne, TheraBreath, any Biotene, Rembrandt Canker Sore Toothpaste, Squiggle Enamel Saver, Tom’s Clean and Gentle SLS Free, Burt’s Bees Natural Toothpaste with fluoride, Oral Defense.
Canker sores will go away without changing anything. However, if they are happening frequently or are severe, ask your dentist about other options. Also, any sore in your mouth lasting more than 10 days should be examined by a dentist.