Are you looking for a toothpaste that is free of harsh chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)? Many dental health professionals believe that SLS can be too abrasive and irritating to sensitive teeth and gums, especially in young children. If this is a concern for your family, then it’s important to consider toothpaste without SLS.
There are many types of toothpaste on the market now that could be right for your families depending on what your individual needs are as a family.
Do you have children? Does anyone in your family have sensitive teeth? Are you looking for more natural alternatives? Is it important to you to use toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate?
Depending on your answers to these questions, you may find that certain toothpaste are better choices than others.
Toothpaste for Your Children
When it comes to finding the right toothpaste for your child, there are many things to consider such as the age of the child or children for one thing.
The ingredients in commercial toothpaste contain a lot of chemical ingredients such as SLS and others that can be harmful, especially if they are swallowed in large amounts.
Don’t be fooled by made-for-children labels and bubble gum flavoring. The information you’re seeking is in the ingredients. You want to find children’s toothpastes without SLS, and without other harmful chemicals.
There are a lot of natural options available, but again it’s crucial to read those labels so you know exactly what your child is using to brush their teeth.
Toothpastes for Sensitive Teeth
If you suffer from this common problem, you certainly know it every time you eat or drink hot, cold, sour or sweet foods or liquids.
It can be extremely painful to deal with sensitive teeth and even tooth brushing can cause a lot of pain.
| Some typical causes of sensitive teeth |
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No one really knows the exact causes of tooth sensitivity, but there are things you can do to reduce the pain associated with having sensitive teeth. Visiting the dentist can definitely help you figure out what to do about sensitive teeth.
You may find that using toothpaste especially for sensitive teeth can help reduce their sensitivity.
Another thing that can help reduce the sensitivity in your teeth is to use a soft toothbrush. This will lessen the amount of pressure out on the teeth while brushing.
Also, don’t use straight cold tap water but opt for room temperature water to avoid the pain that can result from water that’s too cold.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Toothpaste
When it comes to finding the safest toothpaste for your family, finding one without SLS is one of the first things you may want to consider.
SLS is an ingredient that is regularly used in detergents, cleaning products and soaps and is one of the more controversial ingredients found in toothpaste.
It has been associated with mouth sores, and other gum irritations and have even been linked to allergies.
There are several things that SLS has been linked to. It’s these studies and findings that are causing people to shy away from using any products that contain this ingredient.
Prolonged use of products containing SLS, have been shown to cause irritations of the mouth and skin and to worsen those who already may be dealing with skin/mouth problems.
Early studies are showing a possible connection between using SLS containing toothpaste with an increase in canker sores. The studies are inconclusive at the present time, but there was a lessening of the recurrence of canker sores when toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate was used instead.
A study was published that showed that the use of SLS toothpaste can cause temporary taste alterations.
There are more studies being conducted all the time that indicate that the use of SLS containing products are simply not very good for your health so opting for products that are SLS-free is a step towards protecting your family’s short and long term health.
What You Brush With Can Play a Part in Your Health
There are some who feel that the hype about SLS-free toothpastes is silly and overreactive, but as with anything that is purported to be harmful, you have to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
For something like toothpaste, where there are plenty of other options available, you cannot take unnecessary risks and still have the benefit of healthy, beautiful teeth and a white smile.
The number of options available is testament to the fact that there is more than likely a lot of validity to the claims that SLS is dangerous, especially with prolonged use.
Whether you choose to brush with an all natural toothpaste that is chemical and SLS free or you choose one of the other methods such as baking soda, peroxide, sea salt and essential oils, the thing to remember is that the choice for what you and your family brush with is up to you and you do have choices.
Alternatives to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in Toothpaste
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used ingredient in toothpaste that is responsible for producing the foaming suds that we associate with toothpaste. However, it is also known to cause irritation and dryness in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to SLS in toothpaste that do not compromise the cleansing power of toothpaste.
One of the most popular alternatives to SLS is sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA). This ingredient is derived from coconut oil and is a gentle yet effective foaming agent. Unlike SLS, SLSA is a larger molecule that does not penetrate the skin, making it a safer option for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, SLSA is considered to be more environmentally friendly since it is biodegradable.
Another alternative to SLS in toothpaste is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). CAPB is another coconut oil-derived ingredient that produces a creamy lather and helps to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth. It is also less likely to cause skin irritation than SLS and is considered to be a safer and more sustainable alternative.
There are also natural alternatives to SLS in toothpaste, such as baking soda or activated charcoal. Both of these ingredients have been shown to be effective at removing stains and bacteria from teeth, and they are gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. However, it is important to note that these natural ingredients may not produce the foaming lather that many people are used to with traditional toothpaste.
Overall, there are several alternatives to SLS in toothpaste that provide a gentle and effective cleaning experience for those with sensitive skin. From coconut oil-derived ingredients to natural alternatives like baking soda, these options provide a safer and more sustainable way to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Alternatives to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in Toothpaste
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a widely used ingredient in toothpaste that is responsible for producing the foaming suds that we associate with toothpaste. However, it is also known to cause irritation and dryness in some people, especially those with sensitive skin. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to SLS in toothpaste that do not compromise the cleansing power of toothpaste.
One of the most popular alternatives to SLS is sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA). This ingredient is derived from coconut oil and is a gentle yet effective foaming agent. Unlike SLS, SLSA is a larger molecule that does not penetrate the skin, making it a safer option for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, SLSA is considered to be more environmentally friendly since it is biodegradable.
Another alternative to SLS in toothpaste is cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). CAPB is another coconut oil-derived ingredient that produces a creamy lather and helps to remove plaque and bacteria from teeth. It is also less likely to cause skin irritation than SLS and is considered to be a safer and more sustainable alternative.
There are also natural alternatives to SLS in toothpaste, such as baking soda or activated charcoal. Both of these ingredients have been shown to be effective at removing stains and bacteria from teeth, and they are gentle enough for those with sensitive skin. However, it is important to note that these natural ingredients may not produce the foaming lather that many people are used to with traditional toothpaste.
Overall, there are several alternatives to SLS in toothpaste that provide a gentle and effective cleaning experience for those with sensitive skin. From coconut oil-derived ingredients to natural alternatives like baking soda, these options provide a safer and more sustainable way to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
Benefits of Using Toothpaste Without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
For many of us, toothpaste is an essential part of our daily routine – something that we rely on to clean our teeth and maintain our oral hygiene. However, what many people don’t realize is that some toothpaste brands contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a chemical that is used as a foaming agent. While SLS is generally recognized as safe for use in toothpaste, there are some benefits to using toothpaste without this ingredient.
One of the main benefits of using toothpaste without SLS is that it can be gentler on your gums. SLS has been shown to be a potential irritant for some people, and if you suffer from sensitive or receding gums, switching to an SLS-free toothpaste could make a real difference. Additionally, SLS can also cause dryness and discomfort in some people, particularly those who are prone to canker sores.
Another potential benefit of using toothpaste without SLS is that it can be better for your overall health. While SLS is widely considered safe for use in toothpaste, some researchers have raised concerns that it could contribute to the formation of cancer-causing agents. While more research is needed to confirm or refute these claims, some people choose to switch to SLS-free toothpaste as a precautionary measure.
Finally, using toothpaste without SLS can simply make brushing a more pleasant experience. Without the foaming action of SLS, your toothpaste will have a slightly different texture, but one that many people find more pleasant and less drying. And with so many great SLS-free toothpaste options available these days, making the switch is easier than ever before.
Common Misconceptions about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Toothpaste
When it comes to discussions about harmful ingredients in toothpaste, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) often tops the list. However, despite being a widely debated topic, there are several misconceptions about SLS and its impact on our oral health that have been perpetuated as a result of these discussions.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that SLS is a synthetic chemical compound commonly used in personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoos, and soaps. While some research has suggested that SLS may cause irritation and dryness in individuals with sensitive skin, there is no direct evidence that this ingredient poses any significant harm when used in toothpaste.
Contrary to popular belief, SLS does not cause cancer, nor does it damage the enamel of our teeth. In fact, SLS has been approved by the FDA as safe to use in toothpaste products. Some critics even argue that SLS may help remove plaque and food particles from teeth more effectively, promoting better oral hygiene.
However, SLS-free alternatives to toothpaste may be beneficial to individuals with more severe gum conditions or mouth sensitivities, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Such patients are often advised to switch to less abrasive toothpaste or mouthwash products.
Lastly, while there may be some truth to the concerns surrounding SLS and its impact on our skin, oral health research suggests that the use of this ingredient in toothpaste is relatively safe. It is essential to seek advice from trusted dental professionals before making any changes to your oral hygiene routine. Remember, sometimes what is trendy is not always the best option for our individual needs.
Which brand toothpastes do not have sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient?
Sensodyne Extra Whitening, Sensodyne original flavor, and Sensodyne ProNamel are all SLS free and taste pretty good.
My sister has the same problem, and after switching to these brands she went from having several ulcers a week to having almost none.
Why do a lot of toothpastes use SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)?
It’s because long ago, SLS and sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate (which is milder but more expensive) were each shown to inhibit the fermentation enzymes produced by the mouth bacteria that produce tooth-dissolving acids, which is not surprising in the case of SLS because of its protein-denaturing properties. However, to my knowledge there’s never been shown to be a practical effect on tooth decay by the presence of such surfactants in toothpastes. In recent decades a fad has arisen to use soap instead; it likely has much the same effect, or lack thereof, but tastes even worse.