Canker sores are small painful ulcerations which manifest themselves on the oral mucous membranessometimes making meals and brushing your teeth unpleasant. However, their origin remains a mystery. These lesions appear without a clearly defined cause, although certain factors such as stress, fatigue, consumption of certain foods (cooked cheeses, nuts, hazelnuts) or even immune disorders can promote its appearance. Christophe Lequart, dental surgeon, enlightens us on the impact of our choices in terms of toothpaste and oral care to prevent and manage these inconveniences.
Although no toothpaste is directly responsible for the appearance of canker sores, certain components could be irritating to the mucous membranes fragile and contribute to their development. In particular, toothpastes containing you sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are sometimes accused of causing flaking (detachment of the surface layers) at the level of the mouth, which could alter the natural barrier of the mucous membranes. Certain versions of toothpastes have also had to be reformulated to limit these effects.
Christophe Lequart reminds us that the best way to choose a toothpaste is to choose products adapted to oral sensitivity, without potentially aggressive agents. « Choose gentle toothpastes and avoid those that contain irritating substances such as SLS if you have sensitive mucous membranes.,” he advises.
When you suffer from canker sores, the pain can make brushing your teeth particularly difficult. However, it is essential not to slack off on your oral hygiene. to prevent accumulation of bacterial plaque and worsening of symptoms. According to Dr. Lequart, “It is not necessary to change your brushing technique, but it is recommended to be more gentle to avoid further injury to already painful areas. »
To soothe the pain, there is anesthetic gels and protective films which can be applied directly to canker sores, providing temporary relief. It is also recommended to be wary of mouthwashes containing alcoholbecause they could further irritate weakened mucous membranes.
Homemade toothpastes: natural solution or false friend?
Faced with the growing popularity of homemade products, the question often arises whether “DIY” (Do It Yourself) toothpastes can be a healthy alternative to industrial toothpastes. However, Dr Lequart warns of certain risks. “Most homemade toothpastes do not contain fluoride, but fluoride remains the only molecule effective in preventing tooth decay,” he explains. Furthermore, these homemade toothpastes may include clay for its abrasive properties, but this can be dangerous for the enamel. “The grains of clay used in homemade toothpastes are often too large, which leads to excessive abrasion of the enamel, which, once worn, does not regenerate,” he adds.
Another major problem lies in the absence of antiseptic agents in homemade toothpastes. “If several family members use the same jar of homemade toothpaste, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Commercial toothpastes contain preservatives and antiseptic agents, which limits these risks,” he specifies.
What other actions and habits should you adopt to limit canker sores?
Canker sores are usually benign and go away on their own. in about ten days. However, in the event of frequent recurrences or very numerous mouth ulcers, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that there is no underlying pathology.
In the meantime, it is useful to identify potential trigger factors and adapt your diet. Avoid acidic foods (tomatoes, citrus fruits, vinaigrette) and products likely to irritate the mucous membranes (cooked cheeses such as Gruyere). Stress and fatigue also being aggravating factors, it is important to ensure to adopt a balanced lifestyle.
For those looking for a suitable toothbrush, a soft bristle brush is bestbecause it minimizes the risk of trauma to the mucous membranes weakened by canker sores. Gentle brushing without excessive pressurecan also make a difference for people prone to these small ulcerations.
