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 toothpaste with SLS will understand that there's a transient-altered taste sensation which lasts no more than 10 to 20 minutes post-brushing.
Despite this minor inconvenience, many users prefer the fresh feeling that SLS toothpaste provides. SLS does have antimicrobial properties, helping to maintain oral health by penetrating bacterial cell walls. (Photo: Getty Images) Non-SLS toothpastes are available, though they are generally more expensive.
Studies have shown that these alternatives are just as effective at maintaining oral hygiene as their SLS counterparts. However, many people feel that non-SLS toothpastes lack the fresh sensation associated with SLS. Seychelles-based dental surgeon Dr Bibhakar Ranjan quoted a study by Dr Linda Bartoshuk, Professor at Yale University and some researchers at Virginia medical college, how sodium lauryl sulphate suppresses the taste receptors on the tongue.
It mainly targets the salty and sweet taste buds, which is why sweet food tastes slightly less sweet after brushing and also salt tastes less salty. "On the contrary sodium lauryl sulphate also enhances other taste buds on the tongue which identifies bitter taste, this is why drinking coffee just after brushing can give a person an altered taste and it's the same with orange juice," said Dr Ranjan. He suggests drinking tea, coffee or any acidic drinks 30 minutes before brushing, as these drinks can soften your enamel layer.
But if one starts brushing just after drinking tea or coffee, it may damage their enamel in due time. While there is no strong evidence to suggest that SLS-containing toothpaste should be avoided, for those concerned about taste alteration or prone to frequent oral ulcers, a non-SLS toothpaste may be a better option. Regarding brushing habits, while some people enjoy having coffee before brushing, dentists recommend brushing immediately after waking up to remove bacteria and plaque that can impact overall health.
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