Toothpaste Sensitivity
One less well-known trigger is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a detergent commonly found in toothpaste, mouthwashes, and other oral care products. SLS is a foaming agent that helps to break up plaque and food particles on your teeth. However, it can also dry the tissues in your mouth. As a result, individuals using toothpaste and other oral care products with SLS typically suffer from the sloughing of cheek cells.
SLS is rated as a high risk for irritation and a moderate risk for organ toxicity. In addition, canker sores caused by toothpaste sensitivity are a nuisance at best and can make eating and talking difficult. As a result, many people are now seeking SLS-free toothpaste and other personal care products. However, manufacturers are not required to list SLS on their ingredients label, so it can be challenging to know whether a product contains this potentially irritating substance.
It is important to read ingredient labels carefully to avoid inadvertently purchasing a product that contains SLS. If you find that you are prone to canker sores, you may want to try using a toothpaste that does not contain SLS. Plenty of options are available, and your mouth will thank you for it.
