If you are a sufferer of mouth ulcers you'll know how painful and inconveniencing they are. But what if your toothpaste that you use twice a day, everyday was causing these ulcers?

The majority of toothpastes contain an ingredient called sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), in fact a large proportion of all cosmetic and personal care products contain this ingredient. SLS is an inexpensive, abrasive detergent used to enhance the foaming properties of products which allows for better distribution whilst washing and brushing teeth.

There are mixed thoughts on the effects of SLS. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) state that belief in the carcinogenic properties of SLS is urban legend yet the Environmental Working Group have found SLS and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulphate) to contain 1-4 dioxane which the US Environmental Protection Agency consider to be a probable carcinogen.

It is well known that SLS removes moisture from the top layers of skin drying it out and causing flare ups of dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis etc in people prone to these conditions. But what is its effect in the continually 'wet' area of the mouth and what does it mean for mouth ulcer sufferers? A Norwegian study looked at the effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and recurrent aphthous ulcers and has published evidence to support a link between the use of toothpaste with SLS and the incidence of mouth ulcers.

The study took recurrent aphthous ulcer sufferers and monitored the number of ulcers experienced over a 3 month period when using a toothpaste containing SLS. The patients had a 1 week washout period before changing to a toothpaste without SLS and monitoring the number of ulcers for a further 3 months.

The results showed almost 3 times the number of ulcers occurred when using a toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulphate.

But why does this happen? The study suggests that the SLS in toothpaste has a destructive effect on the lining of the mouth. It removes the surface cells by destroying the protein in the cell membrane and exposes the more sensitive underlying layer. The incidence of ulcers then increases as the inside of the mouth becomes more easily damaged.

So if you are a sufferer of regular mouth ulcers it could be due to Sodium Lauryl Sulphate in your toothpaste. Although all the well known brands use SLS there are toothpastes available without this ingredient; the following web link lists a few:
http://www.mariposa-alternative-bodycare.co.uk/
index.html?lang=en-uk&target=d61.html
and of course aloclair will help heal and relieve the pain of any ulcers you do get.

You can read the full article on Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Recurrent Aphthous Ulcers by clicking here: http://www.wealthpartners.net/pdf/0535.pdf