Mouth ulcers is a generic term that encompasses mouth problems caused by cancer, infections, autoimmune disease and injuries caused by accidents or as a result of medical treatments such as radiation or dental work. Pain or discomfort is often aggravated by activities of daily living, such as eating, drinking and oral hygiene. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent found in toothpaste and mouthwash, may contribute to the frequency and severity of mouth ulcers in sensitive individuals.
History
Sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, is also called sodium laureth sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate and SDS. In the September 2002 edition of the "Indian Journal of Pediatrics," dermatologist Gulrez Tyebhkhan explains that SLS was developed during World War II as a synthetic alternative to soap because the animal fats used to make soap were in short supply. SLS continues to be used today in products such as liquid soap, shampoo, body wash, and bubble bath, as well as oral hygiene products where it provides a foaming effect.
Features
Detergents like SLS feature a long, uncharged carbon tail that mixes with oil, while charged molecules of sodium and sulfate at the head of the compound interact with water. This enables detergents to dissolve both oil and water-based compounds present as dirt and grime on top of tissue. However, under conditions of high concentration or prolonged contact, they also strip away oil and water-based compounds present in tissue. The resultant damage makes existing mouth ulcers worse and sometimes sets the stage for new ulcers to form.
Significance
In the February 1989 issue of the "Norwegian Dental Journal," dentist Pal Barkvoll asks whether SLS actually belongs in oral care products. According to Barkvoll, the foaming action that many people interpret as a sign of effectiveness triggers mouth ulcers such as canker and cold sores to form and makes others, like thrush and cancer, worse. According to Barkvoll, SLS does not even reduce the risk of cavities because it washes fluoride away before teeth have a chance to absorb it.
Alternatives
Barkvoll recommends that people with a history of mouth ulcers avoid oral care products that contain SLS or another detergent, called polyethylene glycol. Products that contain betaine, a weaker detergent, may be found in grocery or general purpose stores, marketed specifically for people with sensitivity issues. Natural products that contain no detergent at all may be found in health or organic specialty stores; however, these may contain other kinds of irritants.
Considerations
SLS-free products cost more than traditional formulations, so people with mouth ulcers should talk to their health care providers. A doctor or dentist can provide insight on whether SLS-free products are likely to benefit a specific condition and offer recommendations on specific brands. Although many mouth ulcers, such as canker and cold sores, resolve without treatment, others do not. People with severe, frequent or long-lasting---longer than two weeks---mouth ulcers of any kind should see a health care provider.
References
- MedlinePlus: Mouth Ulcers
- "Norwegian Dental Journal"; Should Toothpastes Foam: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Pal Barkvoll, D.D.S.; February 1989
- "Indian Journal of Pediatrics"; Skin Cleansing in Infants and Neonates: Basics of Cleansers; Gulrez Tyebkhan, M.D.; September 2002
- "European Journal of Oral Science"; Oral Mucosal Desquamation Caused by Toothpaste Detergents; Pal Barkvoll, D.D.S.; February 1996
