As the head of science and research of my country's dental association, I'm getting increasingly concerned about the incorporation of sodium lauryl sulphate into dentifrices (toothpastes). I'm however bordered by the silence of the dental community about this despite the alarms being raised in several online forums and evidence from literature..... e.g It was found that sodium lauryl sulfate decreased the amount of fluoride taken up by the enamel., the dentifrice containing 1.5% SLS provoked desquamation in 60% of the subjects, sodium lauryl sulfate has the potential to initiate hypersensitivity to metal ions. etc
Please what is the position of the dental association in your country?
I do look for SLS-free toothpaste, so i am glad that experts are agreeing it is worth it.
I believe it is the dental community that raise the awareness of SLS usage to the population. Its adverse affects and effects are not yet fully understood and its role in toothpastes to create a foaming effect is unnecessary.
In our country is generally recommended toothpastes do not carry in its composition. I, personally, think qeu should be avoided.
The NaLS, also known as 66 detergent is a detergent (for biofilm emulsifier) with the following characteristics: venom was injected intraperitoneally and intravenously; moderately toxic when ingested by enteral route. It provides an experimental teratogen and irritation of the human skin, in addition to being a light allergen eye. It is incompatible with oxidizing agents (should not be used mouthwash as peroxyl -a basic hydrogen peroxide - after brushing with toothpaste containing it) and cationic agents (should not be used mouthwash to bis-biguanide base (guanetidinas) as chlorhexidine gluconate - after brushing with toothpaste containing it). If desired the completion of oral hygiene after tooth brushing with toothpaste that contains the NaLS, with mouthwashes containing these active ingredients, one should wait for the period of one hour after oral rinse with water (vigorously). Unfortunately both government and dental associations are lacking in terms of legislating about it. And we still have the controversy of triclosan (Irgasan) already prohibited in the Community and sold freely in Brazil.
Dear Marc Slabbert,
Can you please get me the official position of the South African Dental Association? Thank you.
If it's of any help, the Finnish Dental Association has no official position on the matter as far as I know but nearly all dentists, particularly those working in hospital/specialist setting recommend SLS-free toothpastes for patients with oral mucosal lesions. Actually a toothpaste(or a oral care product family nowadays), "Salutem", was designed in Finland to contain as little extra ingredients (SLS in particular) as possible and is widely recommended for mucosal patients country-wide.
However, I have never heard that SLS might have "anti-anticaries" effects (in a sense, deduced from if it causes less fluoride absorption). Interesting concern. What studies support this?
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