Toothpaste Without SLS: For Frequent Canker Sore Sufferers

Three Products Without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Ask anyone who’s ever had a canker sore about the utter discomfort of brushing teeth while the ulcer is present. It requires careful manipulation of a toothbrush, and even then, it can still be a painful experience. Worse yet, because many brands of
toothpaste contain a special foaming ingredient known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), they actually irritate canker sores and contribute to formation. Frequent canker sore sufferers, besides paying attention to their diet and stress levels, should certainly investigate toothpaste without SLS. Changing to an alternative product can help prevent canker sore outbreaks, shorten healing time by reducing aggravation, and make good oral hygiene less painful to practice when an ulcer is present.

Manufacturers know there is a market out there for toothpaste without SLS, and they have begun selling special products aimed at frequent canker sore sufferers.  Following are three of my recommendations:

Toothpaste without SLS, #1: Rembrandt Low Abrasion Whitening Toothpaste for Canker Sore Prevention. That’s quite a mouthful to say, but this product combines the brand’s well-recognized tooth whitening ingredients with a non-SLS formula, and the result is a paste that has reduced canker sores by 80% in official studies quoted by the manufacturer. Anecdotally, I can say that using this product has cut back on the frequency of my canker sores by around 50%, and I haven’t made any other changes to my routines. I’ve found this item on the shelves at certain Walgreens locations (saving on shipping), but it’s not always in stock, so buyers may need to order it online. The average cost for an average size tube is about $6.00.

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I had no idea toothpaste could do that - great information

Posted on 02/06/2009 at 2:02:10 PM

Good info.

Posted on 01/15/2009 at 8:01:18 PM

Just to share a testimonial -- my dad used to have constant problems with sores in his mouth, that were painful and made him use a lot of topical lidocaine. He switched to a non-SLS toothpaste and that seems to have made a big difference. Now he only gets one or two canker sores a year, which is a huge improvement. I'd definitely suggest trying non-SLS toothpastes; it's an easy switch to try and you'll probably know within a couple of weeks if it's working for you.

Posted on 12/10/2008 at 10:12:42 AM

Good to know about a toothpaste that helps and doesn't cause trouble. Nice article and informative

Posted on 11/13/2008 at 8:11:26 AM

They should have FOODS that soothe canker sores. I have much more difficulty (and much less joy) eating than brushing.

Posted on 11/12/2008 at 2:11:40 PM

Totthpaste, minty fresh.

Posted on 10/27/2008 at 1:10:28 PM

I might try this, too! Thanks for sharing. Great article.

Posted on 10/27/2008 at 6:10:20 AM

I have to try this.

Posted on 09/17/2008 at 7:09:00 AM

Great thinking...I was a dental assistant for 20 years...

Posted on 09/05/2008 at 3:09:31 PM

Very informative article. my mother use to call these lier sores. I have not had them for years until recently - I wish I had read this article at that time. thanks

Posted on 08/22/2008 at 9:08:53 AM

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