Hello,
I am new to message boards but not new to Lupus, having been finally diagnosed a few years ago. Over the past few months, I've been dealing with a new symptom that has been especially painful and bothersome: canker sores (aka apthous ulcers). My doctor suggested Valtrex since canker sores may be related to the herpes virus. However, some research I've done on the web makes no mention of this virus as a contributing cause. One suggested cause is an ingredient in toothpaste: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Has anyone ever heard of this? If you have recurring mouth sores, what, if anything, has worked for you? There is apparently and SLS-free toothpaste I can order but it is expensive and I'd like some feedback from people not related to that company's website.
Thanks for any info or advice you can offer to me.

I've read that Sensodyne's Total Care is SLS free.
As is a brand at Target called Breath Remedy - it's not with the toothpaste; it is with the "tongue scrapers" (?)
also one called Dentarome Plus tooth paste. Perhaps a pharmacy could order you one of these and it would cost less (and you could try it). Some of what I've read claims that SLS doesn't cause the sores but that it does make the sores worse.

Yes, I think Lupus and canker sores are related. I know many that have both. I use the Rembrandt Canker sore toothpaste and have been very lucky with it.

I don't know any thing about canker sores but if you
don't want to spend alot of money on tooth paste use baking soda mixed with a little salt. Works
just as good as any tooth paste.

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