When it comes to canker sores (also known as aphthous ulcers), Elizabeth Graves, a registered dental hygienist and founder of Take Home Smile, tells Mic: “Although you cannot speed up the healing process, you can avoid prolonging it.” According to Graves, the best toothpastes for canker sores are free from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a synthetic detergent commonly found in toothpastes that might cause a flare-up if you’re prone to aphthous ulcers. Additionally, “toothpastes that have fewer chemicals and preservatives will help reduce canker sores,” Graves adds. With that in mind, all of the toothpastes below are free from SLS and two other potentially irritating ingredients Graves recommends avoiding: baking soda and charcoal.
When shopping for an SLS-free toothpaste, first decide if you’d prefer a fluoride or fluoride-free formula. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends toothpastes with fluoride to help strengthen tooth enamel and prevent decay. But if you prefer non-fluoride options, a study has shown that remineralizing toothpastes containing hydroxyapatite are as effective as fluoride toothpastes. Similar to hydroxyapatite, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate has shown scientific potential when it comes to strengthening enamel. Lastly, several options below include xylitol, an artificial sweetener that helps block the growth of cavity-causing bacteria — but it’s scientifically inconclusive if xylitol is as effective as fluoride on its own.
