Why is sodium laureth sulfate in toothpaste needed and why is it harmful?

It is impossible to maintain healthy teeth into old age without proper care for them. Among the variety of types of care products, paste comes first. It freshens breath and cleans teeth from food debris.

Depending on the type, the product solves many problems: bleeding and sore gums, plaque and the formation of harmful microorganisms.

But, despite all the advantages, the product can cause damage to health due to the content of chemical compounds such as lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Knowing which elements in dental care products should be avoided, you can protect your body from their negative effects.

Composition of toothpastes

The contents of pastes vary depending on the manufacturer, price and type.
In addition to water, the main components of hygienic, therapeutic, preventive and specialized products are abrasive substances (aluminosilicates, silicon dioxide, calcium carbonate). They perform the main function of all toothpastes - cleaning and polishing teeth. Specialized products are divided into:

1. Anti-caries . They contain fluorides, xylitol, calcium glycerophosphate, phosphorus, and sodium bicarbonate.
2. Pastes for sensitive teeth . Contains potassium chloride and nitrate, silicon oxide, strontium chloride.
3. Anti-inflammatory . May include aluminum lactate, herbal extracts, hexiditin, chlorhexidine, triclosan.
4. Whitening . Produced with silicon hydroxide, sodium and potassium pyrophosphates.
5. Sorption . The active ingredient is enterosgel.

Most pastes include viscosity agents, colors and flavors. The latter can be natural (essential oils, menthol, limonin) and artificial.

Foam is created by surfactants, the use of which in products is permitted in an amount of no more than 2%. Of these, manufacturers give preference to sodium lauryl and sodium laureth sulfates. Binders (pectin, glycerin, dextran, cellulose) help to give the paste uniformity.

Children's products

Children's teeth require careful care and protection, so hygiene products for children need to be selected especially carefully.

PRESIDENT Baby

This Italian brand is ideal for children from the appearance of their first teeth to three or four years of age. A distinctive feature is a pleasant raspberry taste.

Provides enamel strengthening and caries prevention, normalizes acid balance, and is harmless if accidentally swallowed. The advantage is a rich composition, the disadvantage is the high price.

You can buy this Italian product for 110 rubles (30 ml tube).

Gel with calendula “Weleda”

The product consists of plant components: calendula extract, algae, mint, oils and refreshing elements.

The gel helps remove plaque and soothe inflammation of the gums, but is not aimed at preventing caries. This fact and the high cost are significant disadvantages.

It is recommended to use the gel alternating with other oral hygiene products containing calcium.

The main advantages of the gel are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

You can buy the gel for 250 – 300 rubles (volume 50 ml).

Disney Baby from JSC Svoboda

Disney Baby is produced in Russia in two flavors - banana and strawberry. Suitable for children from birth, does not contain allergens, is harmless if swallowed.

A variety of active ingredients in the form of silicon dioxide, calcium gluconate, xylitol, plant extracts (chamomile and sage) guarantee high-quality oral hygiene for children.

Helps soothe gums during teething. Has bright colorful packaging with Disney characters; cost - from 90 rubles (62 g) .

SPLAT Juicy Set

This Russian product is produced specifically for children and adults, and includes a set consisting of three products of different tastes.

They contain an easily digestible form of calcium, which quickly restores damaged enamel.

The components of the product also prevent stomatitis, caries, and inflammation. The set includes the following flavors: kiwi and strawberry, chocolate flavor and peach aroma.

Price – from 250 rubles for 3 pastes of 35 ml each.

SPLAT Junior

Suitable for children under 5 years old, has a delicate taste and is safe to swallow. The enzymes and vitamins included in the composition are aimed at removing contaminants, bacterial protection, and also take into account the characteristics of baby teeth.

Calcium compounds promote the formation of healthy enamel. An important advantage of the product is the function of protection against stomatitis, as well as a calming effect on inflammation, which is especially important during teething.

For the convenience of parents, each package contains a finger brush specifically for babies.

The cost of the product is from 150 rubles (50 ml).

ROCS – PRO Baby

The product is aimed at caring for children’s very first baby teeth and consists almost exclusively of natural ingredients. Due to its low abrasiveness, it very gently cleanses the enamel without causing irritation or damaging the gums.

Calcium glycerophosphate is responsible for mineralization, and xylitol fights bacteria, normalizing microflora.

The product is quite expensive compared to a similar, but higher quality Italian product of the PRESIDENT brand for children.

Cost – from 210 rubles per tube of 45 ml.

ROCS baby – fragrant chamomile

The paste is based on active substances - chamomile extract, which protects against acid xylitol, as well as soothing seaweed.

The abrasiveness index RDA 19 gently and carefully cleanses enamel from plaque, eliminates acids, and ensures the prevention of caries. For children up to three years old.

The disadvantage is the complete absence of calcium in the composition, which means that the product only cleanses, but does not strengthen. Plus - pleasant taste, harmless when swallowed.

Cost 45 ml - from 170 rubles.

ROCS kids – Barberry

This product is designed for preschool children (3 years - 7 years). The components take into account the characteristics of baby teeth and their weak coating.

Calcium glycerophosphate is responsible for the formation and strengthening of the surface, and xylitol is responsible for the correct acid balance.

The components provide not only gentle cleansing, but also anti-caries protection, as well as a refreshing effect. Children like the original taste, but the cost of the paste is high.

Production takes place in Russia; you can purchase a 45 ml package from 190 rubles.

Let's find out the advantages and disadvantages of using the Curaprox toothbrush. In this review we will talk about manufacturers of whitening powders.

And here: https://dentist-pro.ru/krasota-i-uxod/narashhivanie/sposoby-protivopokazaniya-ceny.html - it tells not only about the cost of teeth extensions, but also about the features of the procedure itself.

What is sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant whose main properties are to dissolve fats, cleanse, form foam and wet.

The cleansing function of lauryl sulfate is its ability to oxidize, which is why after using cosmetics with SLS a film remains on the skin and mucous membranes. Its effects are manifested by the following symptoms:

• rash;
• redness;
• irritation;
• peeling;
• allergic reactions.

In addition, the water-fat balance of the skin is disrupted and sebum production is stimulated. Lauryl sulfate easily enters the internal organs through the epidermis, accumulating in them. The kidneys, heart, liver, brain and especially the eyes can be affected. The chemical affects the protein tissue of the organs of vision, causing cataracts.

SLS has not been proven to be carcinogenic, but it is known that it can cause cancer when it reacts with other substances. In men, SLS can lead to decreased fertility.

The product's name

The officially accepted name of the additive is sodium lauryl sulfate. International synonym: Sodium Laurylsulfate.

Other names:

• E 487 (E–487) - number in the European codification of additives;
• sodium salt of lauryl sulfonic acid;
• sodium dodecyl sulfate, commonly found on drug packaging;
• sodium alkyl ethoxy sulfate;
• sodium sulfoethoxylate;
• sodium salt of fatty alcohol sulfoethoxylate;
• LSN;
• SLS.

Sodium lauryl sulfate on packaging of cosmetic and household products may be designated under the following trade names:

• Tainolin AS-95N;
• Texapon;
• Sulfa;
• Emal;
• Marlinat;
• Hansanol;
• Spolapon.

What is sodium laureth sulfate

Another aggressive component of household chemicals and cosmetics is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). It is especially valued by manufacturers because, being cheap, it creates thick foam and the illusion of an economically consumed product.

Sodium laureth sulfate irritates the oral mucosa and epidermis, especially in people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Like SLS, it reacts with other ingredients in skin care products to form dioxins and nitrates, and increases the risk of cancer. Laureth sulfate, like its analogue, suppresses the immune system and destroys skin proteins.

At first glance, it seems that both types of sulfates cause the same harm to the skin, hair, mouth and internal organs. But laureth sulfate (SLES) has a less aggressive and irritating effect on the skin, although it dries it more. Its side effects on the body are lower than those of lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Where to buy natural teeth cleaning products?

If you go to any chain supermarket and find that giant shelf that is lined from floor to ceiling with toothpastes and mouthwashes, then you will, to your chagrin, see that despite the variety of brands, all of these products have a chemical composition. Including those brands that belong to the “above average” price segment - Lacalut, Splat, Japanese pastes.

But don't be upset! I have wonderful news for you! Natural toothpastes and powders for cleaning teeth exist, and in a fairly wide range!!! They're just not produced on the same scale as mass brands. And that’s why they have no place on the shelves of large supermarkets. Natural producers simply do not have such a huge marketing budget to enter the networks and take their place on the expensive shelf. But they have natural products without chemicals and constant, although not so great, demand from grateful customers. People like me for example))

Like all natural products, chemical-free toothpastes and powders are produced in small batches and then sold in health food and natural cosmetics stores. Most often these are online stores. They usually have one or several pick-up points where you can not only pick up your order for free, but also look at the entire range of products - turn them in your hands, smell them, study the composition. Also, natural dental products can always be found in Indian shops!

They are more expensive than mass market toothpastes. But it's worth it! Still, I want to believe that soon more people will begin to understand that it is better to pay a little more for a product that does not contain poisons than to take poisons at a cheaper price. See prices for specific products just below, in the review of my toothpastes and powders!

Why are SLES and SLS in pastes?

SLES and SLS are anionic surfactants whose molecules are attached at one end to a water particle and at the other to a fat particle. Therefore, sodium sulfates have excellent degreasing and cleaning properties. They have neither taste nor color and dissolve well in water. With magnesium and calcium salts they create poorly soluble substances that form plaque.

Lauryl sulfate is made from lauryl acids (fatty acids from coconuts) by reaction with sodium carbonate and sulfuric acid. Instead of natural raw materials, synthetic ones based on petroleum products are often used. Laureth sulfate (SLES) is obtained by modification of SLS.

Sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates are added to care products for strong foaming. It is thanks to them that a pea-sized amount of paste creates a mouthful of foam. When brushing your teeth, SLS and SLES penetrate the blood vessels of the mouth and are carried throughout the body. This is explained by the increased ability of oral tissues to absorb.

Sodium sulfates in toothpaste have a negative effect on teeth, namely:

• thin the enamel;
• aggravate gum sensitivity;
• dry the oral mucosa;
• provoke stomatitis.

They enter the gastrointestinal tract by ingestion and cause disease. No matter how thoroughly a person rinses his mouth after brushing his teeth, a small amount of the product still penetrates the stomach. This can also happen during oral hygiene. According to research, people swallow about 2.5 kg of toothpaste during their lifetime.

Important instructions for use –

The cause of gum inflammation is soft microbial plaque and hard dental deposits.
If you decide to reduce inflammation in the gums only with the help of toothpaste (without removing plaque from the dentist), you will only get a temporary effect. You should not use toothpastes for inflammation in the gums or for bleeding gums on an ongoing basis, because they only mask the symptoms of inflammation. And in fact, the inflammation will continue, but only imperceptibly, leading to the gradual destruction of the periodontal attachment and the appearance of tooth mobility. Therefore, the best thing you can do for your gums is to have your teeth ultrasonic cleaned by your dentist. This procedure will remove supra- and subgingival dental plaque, which is the cause of gum inflammation. The use of anti-inflammatory toothpastes for periodontal disease (without removing dental plaque) will lead to sluggish chronic inflammation. At first it can only be gingivitis, which over time will certainly turn into chronic generalized periodontitis, in which tooth mobility and suppuration from periodontal pockets are already observed.

Where else is SLES and SLS used?

Initially, sodium sulfates were used in industrial cleaning agents for machines and mechanisms, for degreasing engines and various surfaces.

In medicine, substances have found use as skin irritants for experimental purposes. In this way, scientists tested the effectiveness of drugs to relieve irritations.

Sulfates are most widespread in the production of household chemicals, decorative and caring cosmetics. About 90% of all shampoos contain sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates. Also, these elements are often found in shower and wash gels, shaving foam, dishwashing liquid, makeup remover and intimate hygiene, washing powders, and liquid soap. Sulfates in creams and products that are not washed off the skin are especially harmful.

What are parabens in toothpastes?

Parabens are found in almost all dental care products. They act as preservatives, extending the shelf life of the product.

On the packaging of the product they are indicated by the following names:

• methylparabens;
• propylparabens;
• butylparabens;
• ethylparabens.

They are allowed to be added to cosmetic products in an amount of no more than four tenths of a percent of the total weight of the product. Scientists have proven the involvement of parabens in the incidence of breast and reproductive organ cancer.

This is explained by the fact that their accumulation in the body causes an excess of estrogen and changes hormonal levels. Also, preservatives in hygiene products cause allergies and corrode the skin, interfere with the DNA structure, and accelerate aging.

How to brush your teeth?

Brushing your teeth should be done at least 2 times a day - in the morning after meals and in the evening. Dentists advise doing this for at least 3 minutes. In addition to cleaning the tooth, you need to pay attention to the interdental spaces, since food debris gets stuck in them, on which plaque quickly grows. They can be cleaned with dental floss.

Finish brushing your teeth with rinses, preferably herbal ones. It is important that this product does not contain alcohol and chlorhexidine. The duration of contact of the rinse with the oral cavity is 30 seconds. You should also brush your teeth after eating. To do this, use chewing gum, which cleanses the oral cavity in 5-7 minutes.

Sometimes, if you have problem teeth, chewing gum is harmful, so you should use mouthwash after meals. You should consult your dentist about how to properly brush your teeth. Twice a year you should have your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist. A specialist will clean what cannot be cleaned at home - tartar, plaque.

Toothpaste is an important oral care product. But it is important to read the ingredients so that the selected products include only safe ingredients. Then the toothpaste you use will be completely healthy.

How dangerous substances are masked in formulations

Often, manufacturers of hygiene products deliberately distort the names of harmful components in the composition and replace them with others. Thus, lauryl sulfate, obtained during oil refining, is often disguised as an analogue extracted from coconuts or coconut oil (Sodium Coco Sulfate).

The inscription “Paraben free” (without parabens) on the label is not always true. The manufacturer may deceive customers by indicating methyl paraoxybenzoate or ethyl paraoxybenzoate in the composition. But this does not change the essence: these substances still remain parabens, although the word “paraben” is not present in their name.

Top 8 most harmful substances in toothpastes

In addition to SLS and SLES, the paste contains many more harmful components, which are also very important to know about.

1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - SLS . This is an anionic surfactant (surfactant), the main properties of which are to dissolve fats, clean, form foam and wet.
2. Sodium Laureth Sulfate - SLES . Another aggressive component of household chemicals and cosmetics. It is especially valued by manufacturers because, being cheap, it creates thick foam and the illusion of an economically consumed product.
3. Triclosan . It belongs to the class of synthetic antibiotics and is added to products to combat harmful bacteria. If you frequently brush your teeth with antibacterial agents, the microflora of your mouth may suffer, since beneficial microorganisms are also destroyed along with pathogenic ones. Long-term use of products containing triclosan provokes the progression of tonsillitis, periodontitis and other diseases.
4. Chlorhexidine . This antiseptic substance is added to toothpastes to prevent plaque and inflammation of the mouth. Like the previous element, Chlorhexidine destroys both pathogenic and necessary microflora of the mouth, and when it enters the digestive tract it has a similar effect there.
5. Fluorine . It is added to dental care products to protect enamel from destruction by bacteria and acids. However, oral hygiene with fluoride products leads to an overdose of this element. This is explained by the fact that fluoride enters the body from many other sources: tap water, food, tea. Buckwheat, rice, oats, apples, citrus fruits, walnuts, fish, seafood, and potatoes are rich in fluoride. The daily fluoride intake for adults is only 2 mg, for children over 4 years old – 2 times less. Exceeding these standards leads to urolithiasis, destruction of bone and joint tissue, impaired memory and thinking, and pathologies of the thyroid gland.
6. Formaldehyde . This toxic element can be found in almost all germ-killing products. Getting it into the body can negatively affect vision, skin, liver, kidneys, lungs and even DNA.
7. Aluminum lactate . Widely used in inflammation relievers and products for sensitive teeth. By reducing gum bleeding, aluminum salts harm brain cells. This manifests itself in decreased mental abilities, memory, impaired coordination, and dementia. The accumulation of aluminum in the body interferes with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which negatively affects the musculoskeletal system.
8. Propylene glycol (PEG) . Inhibits the growth of bacteria in the paste. In the human body, it affects the immune and respiratory systems, causing dermatitis, allergies, and dry mucous membranes.

Need for cleaning

The oral cavity is considered one of the most exposed areas of the body to the environment. There are a lot of bacteria there. Teeth are designed for mechanical processing of food, that is, chewing foods whose remains get stuck between the teeth. This provides a favorable environment for microorganisms. When a person has not brushed his teeth for a long time, bacteria multiply rapidly and a soft plaque appears.

This plaque negatively affects teeth because it releases acid, which destroys tooth enamel. If you do not clean it off, caries gradually appears. Plaque also leads to the disruption of the natural barrier to infections in the mouth. It also leads to halitosis – bad breath and the formation of tartar. By regularly cleaning teeth from soft plaque, microorganisms will not have a chance to cause caries and other problems.

How to choose a safe toothpaste?

When buying a hygiene product, you should look at the order of the ingredients in the composition. The higher the concentration of a substance in a product, the closer to the beginning of the list it is listed and vice versa. It is important that all ingredients, not just the active substances, are listed both on the packaging and on the tube. If this is not the case, perhaps the manufacturer is unscrupulous and is hiding something from the consumer.

If you have any doubts about whether to take a product with or without fluoride, you should review your diet and roughly calculate your daily intake of the microelement. It is also important to take into account the fluoridation of tap water and the degree of filtration. In some cities, water is saturated with fluoride in large quantities, and then it is better to abandon fluoride-containing pastes.

The percentage of fluorine in the product is indicated on the packaging by the abbreviation ppm and should not exceed 1500 ppm, that is, 0.015% of the total mass. If there is no such mark, it is better to refuse to purchase the product.

Too long a shelf life should also be a concern, as it indicates an excess of preservatives in it.

It is also worth focusing on the color of the strip on the tube, which determines the degree of its danger.

1. Black . The strip means that the composition contains ingredients that aggravate periodontal disease.
2. Red . The strip warns of the presence of fluoride, sulfates or antibiotics.
3. Blue . A product containing synthetic elements.
4. Green . Completely natural product.

List of toothpastes without SLES and SLS

No matter how hard manufacturers try to put sulfates in all cosmetic products, products without them still exist. The almost harmless component sodium lauryl sarcosinate is responsible for the foaming in them. Often, sulfate-free packaging is labeled “SLS-free.” But it still doesn’t hurt to read the composition and check that the toothpaste does not contain sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate or their Latin names (Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate).

Here is a list of safe toothpastes without SLS and SLES:

• President Classic;
• ROCS (standard, Bionica, Energy, coffee and tobacco, for children);
• Silca Multicomplex;
• Natura Siberica Arctic protection;
• Biomed Superwhite;
• Splat (biocalcium, Sensitive, Sea Minerals, green tea, Organic, Extreme White);
• Grandma Agafya's recipes;
• New pearls with calcium;
• Jason Natural Power smile, sea freshness.

Toothpaste is an important component of oral hygiene. Its role in human life cannot be underestimated. However, if you read the composition, it becomes obvious that in addition to the benefits, it also brings a lot of harm. And irritation of the oral mucosa turns out to be the least of the evils, considering that DNA mutation and the development of cancerous tumors can also be a consequence of brushing your teeth. Fortunately, all this can be avoided by purchasing products without the dangerous substances described above.

Where there is?

Toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate include:

1. ROCS – with chocolate and berry flavors.
2. Blend-a-med.
3. Colgate.
4. "New pearls".
5. "Forest Balsam"
6. Aquafresh.
7. Marvis.

Crest 3d white paste contains sodium lauryl sulfate. It is advisable not to constantly use products containing this component. There are effective products without this substance. Crest 3d white also contains polyphosphates, which loosen tartar, wash it out, and also remove the enamel itself. The product is abrasive.