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Comment by e40 | Hacker News Reader

I 100% solved my canker sore problem when I stopped using toothpaste. Apparently it is the Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in it that causes them in some people.

Give it a try. Can't hurt.

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You can get SLS free toothpaste. Unfortunately the tubes I've found are also flouride free, and they have Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate in them, which I assume is similar to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

SLS is only used to make foam when you brush your teeth. I promise I won't think any less of your toothpaste if it doesn't foam!

^This. I use Biotene because it doesn't have SLS. I used to have this weird issue where after brushing, a residual, thick stuff (saliva? inner membranous lining of mouth?) would gather on my lips. It would be embarrassing wiping it off while talking to someone but it would subside an hour or so from brushing. After reading about SLS, I started looking for and SLS-free tooth paste. Since I have been using and SLS-free tooth paste, I have never had that problem again.

You might take a look at some of the Tom's of Maine toothpastes, most notably https://www.tomsofmaine.com/products/oral-care/fluoride-free...

Pronamel (sensodyne) has flouride and no SLS.

You can just use baking soda ...

Fluoride is a thing.

You can purchase Gel-Kam over the counter. It has 0.4% (w/w) stannous fluoride. (Other ingredients: Glycerin, hydroxyethylcellulose, flavoring.) I use that a few times a month.

And, I live in a water district with fluoride in the water.

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