Do you know what it a toothpaste made up of? Most people don’t as majority of the people buy toothpastes after seeing their promising advertisements, don’t you? The only toothpaste classification that we can make is gel toothpaste, whitening toothpaste, herbal toothpaste, etc. But what goes into making these is still needs to be highlighted. SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is a key compound in most toothpastes that keeps them thick & convenient for use. But is this safe? Read on as Dr. Monika Narula, M.D.S Orthodontist and Co-Founder of Bentodent explain side effects of SLS toothpaste in this article.
SLS in Toothpastes
SLS in toothpaste is a chemical compound also known as sodium lauryl sulphate. It is a key ingredient that is found in most toothpastes. It helps make that to the toothpaste thicken while removing dental plaque while you are brushing. It acts as a form of soap, helping the toothpaste foam. It is used by most manufacturers to make toothpastes because it is convenient and cheaper than the alternatives.
However, most people do not realize how harmful SLS can be by causing long term damage to your teeth. It plays no real part in cleaning your teeth - it merely helps in foaming and thickening the toothpaste.
SLS Toothpaste Side Effects
It is a very toxic ingredient that dehydrates your skin by making it lose its natural oils. It wold be more beneficial for your teeth if you choose a SLS-free toothpaste. Here are some of the major side-effects that this toothpaste can cause to you:
Also Read: Keep Aside Regular Toothpaste and DIY Toothpowder For Sparkling White Teeth
SLS toothpaste ulcers
SLS limits floride bioavailability and undermines the basic purpose of a toothpaste - to kill bacteria in the mouth. Studies have also confirmed that SLS can increase the incidences of ulcers. It can cause the first layer of the mouth to erode, exposing the tissue to further damage. SLS toothpaste canker sores is also a possible negative outcome that some people may face.
Bad Breath
Most of us buy toothpastes for fresher breath but what if your mouth still smell bad? Blame your SLS toothpaste for this. SLS can also be an irritant for some people. It can cause negative effect on skin cells, even in low-cost concentrations. It can cause mouth ulcers and drying of the mouth, completely negating the effect of the toothpaste. The imbalance caused by SLS to the bacteria in your mouth can also lead to bad breath.
SLS Toothpaste Allergy
SLS can already cause your mouth to form ulcers or dry out. An SLS allergy will heighten the sensitivity and cause your skin to flake, itch or crack more. Toothpastes can cause cracking at the ends of your mouth or residual SLS may cause hormonal imbalance too.
Also Read: Oral Symptoms of Different Disorders, Watch Out Your Dental Health For Holistic Wellness
SLS toothpaste acne
The ill-effects of SLS toothpaste is not limited to oral problems but it can also significantly cause the skin to breakout. Yes, this can trigger acne as the skin starts to produce more oil to counter the dryness caused by SLS chemical. Thus, it results in pimples and acne that may become severe. So, if you are experiencing uncontrolled acne, check your toothpaste for SLS.
In a nutshell, switching to SLS-free toothpastes is the best decision to ward off the risk of many health issues. This chemical might be good to remove plaque deposited on teeth but it is catastrophic for your health in the long run. Switching to herbal and chemical-free toothpastes is therefore recommended by dental experts. You would see positive differences within weeks of regular use. If needed, consult your dentist to suggest you some good SLS-free or chemical-free toothpastes for regular use. Use the chemical ones only where there is need to use.
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