Can toothpaste treat mouth ulcers?

Jul 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

If you have a canker sore, toothpaste contains certain medicinal ingredients. Can toothpaste treat canker sores?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Toothpaste is not specifically formulated as a medication for treating oral ulcers; its primary functions are to clean teeth, remove plaque, and maintain basic oral hygiene. Although some toothpastes available on the market claim to help relieve symptoms of oral ulcers—for example, those containing mint, tea tree oil, or other natural soothing ingredients may temporarily reduce discomfort and pain caused by ulcers through their cooling or anti-inflammatory properties—this does not mean that toothpaste can cure oral ulcers. Oral ulcers are typically caused by various factors leading to damage of the oral mucosa, including immune system responses, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and local trauma. Their treatment should focus on enhancing immunity, maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding irritating foods, and medical interventions when necessary. Therefore, when dealing with oral ulcers, it is recommended to adopt a comprehensive approach and consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist when necessary to select appropriate medications for targeted treatment, rather than relying solely on toothpaste for symptom relief.