SLS-Free Toothpaste: Why It Matters More Than You Think

1. What Is SLS, and Why Is It in Toothpaste?

2. The Problem With SLS (Backed by Research)

3. Common Side Effects of SLS in Oral Care

4. Who Should Use an SLS-Free Toothpaste?

5. What to Look For Instead of SLS

6. TranscenDental: An SLS-Free Formula That Actually Works

7. Ingredients We Use to Support a Healthy Mouth

8. The Link Between SLS and the Oral Microbiome

9. FAQs About SLS-Free Toothpaste

10. Final Thoughts

1. What Is SLS, and Why Is It in Toothpaste?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a synthetic detergent and surfactant. In toothpaste, it’s used to:

• Create foam (the "lather" you associate with brushing)

• Help spread toothpaste across teeth

• Give the illusion of deep cleaning

It’s the same ingredient used in shampoos, dish soaps, and industrial degreasers — which should give you a clue about its intensity. Which is why we only make SLS free toothpaste that is great for sensitive gums and sensitive teeth. 

2. The Problem With SLS (Backed by Research)

While SLS can remove debris and create foam, it comes at a cost:

🧪 Studies show SLS can:

• Disrupt epithelial cells in the mouth, leading to irritation

• Cause or worsen canker sores (aphthous ulcers)

• Strip away protective mucins and proteins in saliva

• Increase permeability of the oral lining (not great for overall health)

• Disrupt oral microbial balance by acting as a non-selective antimicrobial

A 2016 review in the Journal of Oral Pathology found that SLS-containing pastes significantly increased canker sore incidence in sensitive individuals. Other studies link it to dry mouth, burning sensation, and tissue sloughing. 

"Researchers from Germany tested 1,600 patients for SLS irritancy and found 42% of the patients tested had an irritant reaction." Source

In-vitro research shows that mouthwash and toothpaste can harm oral musculature and gingiva. Fluoride ions are also found in toothpaste and mouthwash; they have both an antibacterial and an enzyme-stimulating effect. Additionally, it triggers oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation [9]. Source. 

3. Common Side Effects of SLS in Oral Care

For people with sensitive mouths, autoimmune conditions, oral lichen planus, or just a desire to protect their oral terrain — SLS is a big problem.

4. Who Should Use an SLS-Free Toothpaste?

✅ People prone to canker sores
✅ Anyone with dry mouth or burning mouth syndrome
✅ Those with gum sensitivity or autoimmune conditions
✅ Kids, elderly, or anyone with thin oral tissues
✅ People following a microbiome-supportive or holistic lifestyle
✅ Anyone who wants toothpaste that works without harsh chemicals

5. What to Look For Instead of SLS

Instead of relying on chemical foam, an effective SLS-free toothpaste uses:

• Mineral clays for gentle texture and dispersion

• Baking soda and silica to cleanse without stripping Learn about baking soda.

• Botanical emulsifiers (e.g., yucca root, aloe vera)

• Natural binders like activated charcoal. learn more about charcoal toothpaste.

The goal: a smooth, creamy paste that spreads easily without inflaming your tissues.

6. TranscenDental: An SLS-Free Formula That Actually Works

At TranscenDental, we never include SLS in any form.

Instead, we use:

• Baking soda and clay minerals to gently clean and polish

• Low-RDA silica for safe daily polishing

• Nano-hydroxyapatite (15%) to rebuild enamel and reduce sensitivity. Learn more. 

• Xylitol and alkaline minerals to support microbial balance. Learn more. 

• Healing botanicals like comfrey, yarrow, and gotu kola

You’ll get the clean, smooth-mouth feeling without any foaming or inflammation.

7. Ingredients We Use to Support a Healthy Mouth

8. The Link Between SLS and the Oral Microbiome

SLS doesn’t just clean—it wipes out. Studies show it damages beneficial oral flora, such as:

• Streptococcus salivarius – a protective species

• Veillonella – supports lactate breakdown

• Actinomyces – linked to healthy gums

A microbiome-friendly paste, like ours, preserves the good bugs while gently cleaning the rest.

9. FAQs About SLS-Free Toothpaste

Q: Does SLS-free toothpaste clean as well as regular toothpaste?
A: Yes—especially when it includes functional ingredients like baking soda, xylitol, and nano-hydroxyapatite.

Q: Is SLS the same as SLES?
A: No. SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) is a slightly modified version, but both can cause similar irritation and are best avoided in oral care.

Q: Why do most big brands still use SLS?
A: It’s cheap, foams well, and gives users the illusion of effectiveness—but it’s harsh and unnecessary.

Q: Will SLS-free toothpaste help my canker sores?
A: Many users report a dramatic reduction in outbreaks after switching to SLS-free formulas.

Q: Does TranscenDental’s paste foam?
A: No, it doesn’t foam. Instead, it leaves a smooth, polished feel without harsh surfactants.

10. Final Thoughts

Choosing an SLS-free toothpaste is one of the easiest ways to protect your oral health, reduce inflammation, and support long-term healing of your gums and tissues.

At TranscenDental, we’ve built an SLS-free formula that:

• Cleans thoroughly without irritation

• Supports tissue regeneration and microbiome balance

• Rebuilds enamel and reduces sensitivity

• Whitens naturally with zero bleach or harsh abrasives

Because real oral health doesn’t come from foam—it comes from science-backed, body-supportive ingredients.

Ready to switch to an SLS-free toothpaste that actually heals?
👉 Try TranscenDental Mouthpaste Today »