The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7253 p828
14 June 2003

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Letters to the Editor

Mouth ulcers

Sodium lauryl sulphate may be a culprit

From Mr R. W. Selfe, MRPharmS

I refer to your recent article (PDF 105K) on oral hygiene (PJ, 3 May, p619). Although I appreciate that this was primarily concerned with dental care, there was some correspondence from readers about mouth ulcers in Dr James le Fanu's medical column in The Daily Telegraph some time ago which might be of interest to others who like myself have been plagued with these in the past. It was suggested that choosing a toothpaste which did not contain sodium lauryl sulphate could considerably reduce the incidence of this condition. Having followed this advice for at least two years now, I can say that it works for me. The few that still occur are usually short-lived and respond well to application of proprietary gels.

Most toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate, but some do not and these are the ones I now use. They are well worth a try to avoid a condition which can make eating a misery, even though I cannot suggest an explanation.

Reg Selfe
Benfleet, Essex

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