What is it, where does it come from?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (or SLS) is a cleaning agent and a surfactant. A Surfactant is simply something that reduces the tension between two liquids, a liquid and a gas, or a liquid and a solid (think oil and water). SlS can be derived from plant OR petroleum sources. SLS are commonly found in household and industrial cleaners, engine degreasers, and... Toothpaste.
Why is it used in toothpaste?
As a foaming agent, SLS's purpose in most toothpastes is to create the foaming effect which is supposed is good for removing food particles and cleaning teeth. It also aids in binding the different water and oil based ingredients together. The problem is, this isn't all its doing to your mouth.
SLS has been known to cause/worsen the following:
- Mucosal desquamation and dry mouth (hello bacteria)
- Inflammation and irritation of oral tissues and skin
- Ulcerations (aka canker sores... If you know, you know)
- Inhibits wound healing in the mouth
This isn't exactly surprising, as this ingredient is used in carpet cleaners and degreasers... So in essence, it is harshly "stripping" your mouth of not just unwanted things, but also of the things we DO want in order to keep our mouths healthy. Whether you realize it or not, our mouths are the source of a rich ecosystem. When we apply these harsh chemicals to it each day, sometimes multiple times a day, we are disturbing its natural balance. This will undoubtably cause issues down the line, like dry mouth and canker sores. Personally, we have members in our own family who have noticed a substantial decrease in the prevalence of canker sores since eliminating SLS.
Bottom Line
SLS is simply too harsh for our oral cavities, and any benefit it provides can be found in much safer and gentle alternatives. To put it simply, the juice isn't worth the squeeze. We don't need a foaming agent in order to clean our mouths effectively. Especially one that causes canker sores, and inflammation of our gum tissues in order to do it.
If you're interested in using a product that's going to effectively clean your teeth and mouth, while supporting its natural microbiota instead of trashing it, check out our hydroxyapatite based tooth powder here. It contains only ingredients that are going to support your oral health without any harmful side effects, and best of all, its brutally effective.