We all grew up hearing brush twice daily for a healthy mouth. But is there more to it?
The famous tagline of the England-Scottish brand Colgate-Persuades – Is that your toothpaste contains salt that is determined as a healthy cleaning agent for teeth!
But there is more to it have you ever wondered when you brush your teeth where that foam comes from? Chances are it’s a soap-like chemical compound, that is called “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)” Before going further let’s talk about SLS first.
Article Highlights:
What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?:
SLS is made by reacting petroleum-derived alcohol with sulfur trioxide to produce hydrogen lauryl sulfate. From there, it’s neutralized with sodium carbonate, and the end product is sodium lauryl sulfate. Confused? We don’t blame you.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in many personal care products, from shampoos to toothpaste and other cosmetic products.
Despite its widespread use, SLS has faced scrutiny for its potential effects on skin and health.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate In Toothpaste:
SLS has been a common ingredient in leading toothpaste brands like Colgate and Crest for decades. But as consumers have started to pay closer attention to ingredient labels, SLS has raised a lot of red flags—understandably so. Who wants soap in their mouth?
SLS is cheap and abundant. That’s why you’ll find it in countless personal care products like shampoo, shaving cream, mouthwash, body wash, and of course, toothpaste. It’s ESTIMATED that half of cosmetic products contain SLS.
SLS isn’t limited to the self-care aisle, either. It’s used in carpet cleaners, industrial detergents, and engine degreasers—yikes. Your mouth is HIGHLY ABSORBENT, which comes in handy for processing nutrients. But the flip side is you can absorb nasty ingredients too.
So, why would anyone brush their teeth with a chemical you need to shampoo your rug?
The main reason SLS gets added to toothpaste is to break up plaque and tiny food particles on your teeth. This allows for a deeper clean.
Can SLS Cause Cancer?:
According to a SAFETY ASSESSMENT by the International Journal of Toxicology, SLS can irritate your skin, especially if the product has a high concentration or after prolonged exposure. But one of the biggest concerns about SLS is that it causes cancer.
However, there’s currently no evidence to suggest that SLS is a carcinogen or increases cancer risk, according to the AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.
SLS also makes toothpaste molecules more slippery so they disperse evenly throughout your mouth. It’s the same reason bubbles spread through your hair when you scrub with shampoo.
The FDA STATES that the use of SLS is generally safe as a food additive and in household cleaning products.
Can SLS Cause Canker Sores?:
In 2019, the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine published a REVIEW examining the link between SLS and aphthous stomatitis, the condition that causes mouth ulcers known as “Canker Sores”
Their verdict was clear: patients significantly reduced their pain, frequency, and duration of canker sores when they stopped brushing with SLS toothpaste.
The leading theory is that SLS weakens the mucous membranes in the mouth, making the oral tissue vulnerable to Canker Sores. This should come as no surprise, given the reputation of SLS as an irritant.
SLS Toothpaste Alternative And Solution:
There are many solutions but most of them need some effort so here is an easy one –
- Use neem teeth twigs
- Use salt & natural pure 100% toothpaste (Anti-Cavity 0 processed chemical paste)
- Use an electric brush with pure fluoride paste.
- Avoid SLS-marked paste.
List Of Daily Use Products That Contain SLS Sodium lauryl Sulfate:
- Shampoos, conditioners, and hair dyes
- Shower gels, facial cleansers, and exfoliants
- Foundations, lip balms, and makeup removers
- Shaving creams, nail treatments, and hand sanitizers
- Dish soap, liquid hand soap, and detergents
Conclusion:
Most cosmetic and daily use products contain SLS so you can’t avoid them, it’s not possible but what you can do is try to avoid products that contain SLS, and also try to find alternative products that do not contain SLS.
Article To Go Through For More Details –
- Side effects of sodium lauryl sulfate applied in toothpastes
- Effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on recurrent aphthous stomatitis
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