Cankers sores on the tongue, bad breath may be a hint to change your mouthwash

Do you have canker sores on your tongue? Check the label on your mouthwash. Does it contain alcohol or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)? If it does, don't get mad. Get even. Pour it down the drain now! You deserve a mouthwash that will clean your teeth and neutralize bad breath without leaving your mouth full of ulcers.

That's exactly what canker sores are: aphthous ulcers. They are not, as many people believe, caused by the oral herpes virus. (That's cold sores.) Instead, canker sores come into being when irritation of the tongue, gums or cheeks allows bacteria to grow out of control.

Plenty of things can cause canker sores. Spicy foods, vigorous toothbrushing, an accidentally bitten cheek or too much stress can all leave your canker sores on your tongue and inner cheeks. But these things are accidental or one-time occurrences. Using an irritating mouthwash, on the other hand, can repeatedly expose your mouth to astringent chemicals.

Common mouthwashes often contain alcohol. While this substance is reasonably good at killing bacteria, it can dry out your palate, leaving it prone to halitosis. Alcohol can also irritate any small nicks or scratches on your tongue or cheeks.

The same goes for SLS, an ingredient found in plenty of inferior mouthrinses. This compound is a surfactant (meaning makes things foamy) and a detergent. That's right, a detergent, in your mouth! Can you see why cheap mouthwashes can leave your tongue dappled with painful canker sores?

As a remedy and a way to prevent these uncomfortable oral ulcers, try using a specialty oxygenating mouthrinse that contains all-natural ingredients. Remember, only use the best! Stick to mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol or SLS.

By gargling once per day with a specialty breath freshening rinse, you can reduce your risk of canker sores on the tongue and make yourself more kissable in the process.