This week, short and sweet

DEAR DR. GOTT: Your column was so much better when you gave short answers to questions. You answered a lot more questions, which we all like, so why did you change? Be short and to the point, and thank you for listening.

DEAR READER: Thank you for your comments. There are times when I think readers might be interested in a better understanding of why a condition occurs, and in discovering ways to correct medical problems. That requires more in-depth information than can be provided in a few sentences. I’ll do my best to reach a happy medium by being as brief as possible. Congratulations — today is dedicated to you.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Thanks for your daily column and the many interesting cases you are kind enough to take your time to explain. I have to write you about my experience with cold sores in response to the reader who suffers from them.

I, too, had them for years, and nothing I put on prevented them. The sores always took up to 10 days to heal, and I would immediately get another one. My husband is a retired dentist who suggested not using toothpaste that contains sodium lauryl sulfate. CVS brand and Sensodyne ProNamel are two products free of the inactive ingredient. Since making the change, I have not had any more pesky sores. I hope this helps someone else.

DEAR READER: Low levels of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are commonly found in shaving cream, shampoo and toothpaste. More concentrated levels are found in industrial-cleaning products, engine degreasers, carwash soaps and floor cleaners.

Research has linked SLS to canker sores and related skin problems. I wrote about this a few years ago. At the time, I knew of only one SLS-free toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine. I’m glad to see other manufacturers have made the switch. Thanks for the tip.

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