Does toothpaste trigger canker sores?

Q. I used to have continuous, terrible canker sores. I discovered that my toothpaste was the culprit. Since I brush my teeth daily, it was a never-ending cycle.

There is an ingredient (sodium lauryl sulfate) in all the name-brand toothpastes that can cause problems for sensitive people. Switching brands made an immediate difference. I now buy my toothpaste at health-food stores and almost never have canker sores anymore.

Others may want to try this approach, eliminating the problem rather than treating the symptoms. It can’t hurt, and it might help.

A. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent found in toothpaste, shampoo, shaving cream, bubble bath and carwash soaps. Research on the effects of SLS on teeth and mouth is complicated and contradictory.

Some studies from the 1990s suggested that SLS might contribute to canker sores, while other trials showed no impact. More recently, SLS has been implicated in wear on tooth surfaces and irritation in the mouth (Swedish Dental Journal, January-March 2003).

Some people may be more susceptible than others. Another reader offered this story: “I used to have canker sores all the time, and then I read about SLS in toothpaste. I searched around for toothpaste that did not contain this ingredient. I started using Biotene toothpaste, and I have not had a canker sore since I started using this product. It also reduces dry mouth.”

Q. Many years ago, I had a boyfriend who had terrible foot odor, maybe from wearing steel-toe boots. I’d read that lemon juice could help relieve the odor, so he tried it.

He cut a lemon in half and rubbed it on his feet. The results were amazing! It really helped get rid of the odor, and it made his skin feel good as well.

A. We’ve not heard of this approach to smelly feet. Don’t try this if the skin is cracked, or the lemon juice will sting!

Q. I know the desperation some of your readers feel about constipation because I suffered the same problem for years. Those who haven’t experienced this problem have no idea of its severity.

I tried increasing fiber and fluids, to no avail. I became convinced that the constipation was related to my medication. Over a period of time, by the process of trial and error, I narrowed it down to a calcium supplement I had been taking for years.

I haven’t taken any calcium since then, and I haven’t had the problem, either. I hope this information will help someone else.

A. Calcium supplements, especially calcium carbonate, are notorious for causing constipation. There are scores of prescription medicines that also can cause this problem.

Eliminating the medication at the root of the trouble is often the best solution. When it is not practical, there are some other approaches to try. Magnesium may counteract the calcium effect. “Power Pudding,” made of bran, applesauce and prune juice, is often helpful.

We offer a Guide to Constipation with a discussion of these approaches, including recipes for Power Pudding and surefire Pumpkin-Bran Muffins, as well as a list of some drugs that cause constipation. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (No. 10), stamped (59 cents), self-addressed envelope to: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. GG-30, P.O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027. It also can be downloaded for $2 from our Web site: www.peoplespharmacy.com.

XIn their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of this newspaper or e-mail them via their Web site: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is “Best Choices From The People’s Pharmacy” (Rodale Books).

2008 King Features Syndicate, Inc.