Canker sores are small sores that develop inside the mouth. Their size and shape can vary greatly, but even a small canker sore can cause a large amount of discomfort as they can be quite painful and can even get in the way of normal eating and drinking. Canker sores have baffled medical science since they first appeared long ago, as currently there is no known cause or cure for canker sores. Some possible theories on causes include stress, a change in diet, and the body's own immune system attacking the cells of the mouth. We do know that canker sores are more likely to develop around areas of trauma in the mouth, such as cuts and scrapes from rough foods or hard toothbrushes. Another theory exists that blames a chemical often found in toothpaste, and while the jury is still out on whether this chemical (sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS) causes canker sores, the fact remains that many sufferers of canker sores have found relief by switching to a special canker sore toothpaste.

A canker sore toothpaste can help those afflicted with canker sores because it is made without using SLS. In addition, there are several canker sore toothpastes that are made using licorice root, which is also thought to help heal canker sores. Many people who have suffered from severe canker sore outbreaks on a regular basis have reported that switching to a canker sore toothpaste has significantly reduced the number and severity of canker sore outbreaks, and some report that canker sores are no longer a problem for them at all. The cost of a canker sore toothpaste is a bit more than that of regular toothpaste, but most canker sore sufferers feel the extra few dollars is worth it to be free from canker sore pain.

If you are experiencing the pain of a canker sore outbreak, you may want to try switching your current brand of toothpaste to a canker sore toothpaste. There are several available and they are easy to find at your local supermarket or drug store. If you would prefer a naturally made toothpaste, you can check your local health and natural foods store. Many well known toothpaste brands also offer a special canker sore toothpaste, including Colgate, Rembrandt, and Tom's of Maine. Using a canker sore toothpaste may be the only remedy you'll ever need for painful canker sores!