In the search for clean products, free from unnecessary ingredients and with a positive impact on both humans and the environment, we often come across the terms SLS and surfactants. But what do these terms mean and what do they have to do with oral health?
What are SLS and Surfactants?
The substance SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is a substance that changes the surface tension between two substances. Therefore, SLS substances are often used in products with substances that normally do not mix. Such as in shampoo, soap and toothpaste. In addition, it often falls under the concept of 'natural ingredients' as it is often extracted from palm oil. SLS can often be called differently on different products, and in Swedish it is often called sodium lauryl sulfate.
The function of SLS in toothpaste is really just to make the toothpaste foam more during brushing, which many people experience as giving a 'cleaner feeling'. Despite this, several studies have proven that SLS has no effect on cleanliness, but only creates foam.
Surfactants are a collective term for substances that lower surface tension, such as SLS. So when we say that our toothpaste tablets are free of surfactants, that also includes SLS substances.
Why do we want to avoid surfactants?
In addition to being derived from palm oil, surfactants such as SLS are also toxic to aquatic organisms. There are clear guidelines for how surfactants should be broken down in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions, for the benefit of marine life. But the best thing to do is of course to avoid surfactants altogether.
Many people also avoid SLS products because they feel that the toothpaste irritates the gums. However, when we use dental products containing SLS, these affect our taste buds and destroy phospholipids that are in our mouths. The role of phospholipids is to dampen bitter tastes. This means that when you drink, for example, orange juice shortly after brushing your teeth, it doesn't taste very good. With a toothpaste free of surfactants, you avoid this and can enjoy your breakfast juice without any problems.
An active choice for your oral health
By switching from traditional toothpaste to toothpaste tablets, you are reaping several benefits. In addition to your choice of toothpaste also promoting your positive environmental impact, you are also making active choices for your oral health.
With toothpaste tablets free from surfactants and other unnecessary substances, we can instead focus on the important functions of your dental care routine. Such as fluoride
