Most toothpastes have a similar composition. Namely, almost all toothpastes contain: 20-40% water, 50% abrasive substances and a small percentage of fluoride, surfactants, antibacterial compounds, artificial sweeteners and various flavors. Each of these components has a role in the toothpaste, so water gives the appropriate consistency, abrasive substances help to remove plaque when brushing teeth, fluorides increase the resistance of teeth to caries, surface-active substances create foam and thus facilitate the removal of food residues, artificial sweeteners and aromas give a pleasant taste to pasta, etc.
In the last few years, toothpastes that do not contain surfactants have appeared on the market. The compound most often used for these purposes is sodium laureth sulfate (SLS - sodium laureth sulfate). In addition to toothpaste, it is also used in other cosmetic preparations, such as: soaps, baths, shampoos, etc.
In the past few years, there have been observations that this compound may lead to an increased incidence of canker sores in the population that uses toothpastes containing it. Namely, SLS is a strong compound that leads to mucous membrane irritation. Although present in a small concentration, it is believed that its surface activity leads to increased sensitivity of the mucous membrane, which becomes more sensitive to other stimuli. That's how the Mayo Clinic classified this compound, i.e. pastes that contain it as one of the causes of canker sores.
On the other hand, the final report on the toxicity of SLS, which appeared in the International Journal of Toxicology, says that "SLS is safe if used occasionally, in a short time interval followed by good washing of the exposed parts of the skin". Moreover, more and more people in the world believe in the eco-myth that SLS causes cancer. In support of that, the researches, i.e. did not show an association between the use of cosmetic preparations with SLS and an increased incidence of cancer in the studied population.
However, in the end, the conclusion remains that, if you often suffer from canker sores, one of the possible solutions is to stop using pastes with sodium laureate sulfate and look for ones without it in pharmacies.
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