I learned about this many years ago and the difference after I started using only SLS-free toothpaste was night and day. I used to get canker sores any time I would bite the inside of my cheek, hit my gums with the hard parts of my toothbrush, etc., and this completely stopped a while after I switched to SLS-free.
SLS is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, by the way, and it’s a detergent. From what I understand, the only reason why it’s added to toothpaste is to make more foam when you brush. But the SLS-free toothpaste I use makes plenty of foam, so I have no idea why they add it. It’s one of those things about the modern world that makes absolutely no sense. The ads and packaging should say in big letters: “now with even more canker sores!”
Unfortunately, the vast majority of toothpastes on the market (at least in the US) have SLS. I can only seem to find SLS-free toothpaste in natural food/supplement stores. It’s extra difficult to find toothpastes that are SLS-free but that keep fluoride too. The difficulty (and price? I haven’t compared) is completely worth it to me though.
TL;DR: The SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) in most toothpastes is unnecessary and causes canker sores (painful sores in your mouth and gums). If you have this problem, you will likely benefit from SLS-free toothpaste (some still include fluoride) that you can usually find at natural food stores.
You should also know that SLS is banned in the EU, so this post made no sense to me until I went to Google for answers…I swear, sometimes it’s hard to fathom the little ways you got it rough over there.A Google listicle about “7 banned substances in the EU” or some shit, straight up lied to me.
SLS (Sodium laurilsulfate) is not banned, not even particularly regulated, in medicinal products, in the EU.
“The vast majority of SLS use is in oral products (tablets and capsules) where it rarely displays any adverse reactions.”
It only is “not permitted”, as a food additive in the EU, and there is a 2017 study which argues for its regulation in skin products, because of irritation.
I was careless on the internet, and the world is more complicated than it seemed at first glance. Story as old as time.
Wut
italy here, and I’m holding a toothpaste with SLS rn (Elmex Sensitive Professional)– Edit
Same goes for Sensodyne Herbal Fresh
Funny cuz none of these make much foam, and also I almost never get canker sores
