Sulphates in toothpaste: Is it good or bad for you?

Listen to Story Daily household items like shampoos, soaps, cleansers and detergents contain chemicals that make them foam. This foaming agent, known as sodium lauryl sulphate or SLS, is also present in toothpaste and may not always be very beneficial for your oral hygiene. Sodium lauryl sulphate is a surfactant, which means it can be used for cleaning due to its foaming agent.

While it has never been classified as a carcinogen (cancer-causing element), SLS can cause irritation when it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes, especially in higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure. In toothpaste, SLS is typically used at a concentration of 0.5-2%.

After a two-minute brushing period, the impact of SLS is minimal. However, SLS does have antimicrobial properties, helping to maintain oral health by penetrating bacterial cell walls. Despite its benefits, SLS can also cause minor damage to the lining cells of the oral cavity.

The natural renewal of the oral epithelial lining, along with saliva, usually prevents any noticeable harm from its use. "Sodium lauryl sulphate does exhibit antimicrobial activity by penetrating the bacterial cell wall and maintaining a healthy mouth. But the lining cells of the oral cavity may also get damaged .

The presence of saliva, the ever-renewing epithelial lining of the oral cavity prevent any perceptible damage from oral usage," Dr Parthasaradhi Reddy, founder Chairman, FMS Dental Clinics, told IndiaToday.in. Everyone who has used to.