TIPS FOR AN ULCER-FREE MOUTH
Do you sometimes suffer from mouth ulcers? Do they seem to hang around for ages? Although biting your cheek is a well-known cause of ulcers, there are plenty of other ways ulcers are encouraged. So follow these tips, from dentists, to help you avoid mouth ulcers altogether:
Unhealthy diet: What we eat has a noticeable effect on our health and our mouth. Both vitamin deficiency and a junk food diet (including excessive amounts of fat and sugar) can cause recurring mouth ulcers.
TOP TIP: Eat plenty of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients and don’t skip meals or skimp on fruit and vegetables. Your body needs antioxidant nutrients found in fresh plant produce because they help to strengthen the membranes in your mouth.
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in toothpaste: This creates the foaming effect that we’re all used to and although it is considered a completely safe ingredient (although there is some controversy around this), it is often overlooked as a cause of mouth ulcers. Some people notice sensitivity to this ingredient, and it may make them more susceptible to mouth ulcers.
TOP TIP: Check the ingredients in your toothpaste and mouthwash. Avoiding SLS might help reduce the frequency and severity of ulcers. The majority of dentists and hygienists would recommend an SLS and alcohol-free oral care routine to all their patients suffering from recurrent mouth ulcers. One research study has shown SLS-free toothpaste reduced ulcers in prone individuals by 80 per cent. Try the UltraDEX Low-Abrasion Toothpaste as an SLS-free option or other natural toothpaste brands.
Acidic, hot and spicy foods: These can irritate the delicate tissue lining of the mouth and create damage in the form of ulcers. Even some healthy foods such as citrus fruits can cause havoc in your mouth due to the high acidic content.
TOP TIP: Dentists advise staying away from acidic, hot and spicy foods altogether if you’re suffering from mouth ulcers. If you can’t resist, then make sure you rinse your mouth with a good alcohol-free mouthwash after your meal. Alcohol-free mouthwashes, such as UltraDEX Daily Oral Rinse, are designed to help prevent gum problems, tooth decay and plaque.
Stress, anxiety and hormones: Problems such as lack of sleep and emotional pressures can lead to recurring mouth ulcers. Persistent mouth ulcers are a reaction by your body’s immune system to stress and anxiety.
TOP TIP: Take some time for yourself and relax. Learn some relaxation breathing tips and try to avoid other triggers when your hormone cycle is badly affecting your mouth. Take vitamin B and C supplements if you are run down, especially if you often suffer from ulcers. Make sure you also always keep a good oral hygiene regime to stop your mouth from feeling as worn out as you might.
Coeliac disease is a less common cause but is linked to mouth ulcers.
TOP TIP: Visit your doctor if you are worried about persistent ulcers. If you need to change to a gluten-free diet but find that mouth ulcers still occur, you may want to try a using a gluten-free toothpaste such as the UltraDEX Low-Abrasion Toothpaste to keep irritation to a minimum.
FACT BOX
- The UltraDEX oral rinses, toothpastes and oral spray are SLS-free, alcohol-free, approved by the Vegetarian Society, registered with the Vegan Society, gluten-free and have Kosher status
- SLS is registered as a safe ingredient. Often described as a detergent/surfactant, it is a well-established foaming agent. SLS is used in small quantities in many beauty and hygiene products, including soap, shampoo and toothpaste, where it causes no harm to most people.
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