The Yin and Yang of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Use for Oral and Periodontal Health: A Literature Review

• Main Authors: Hamoun Sabri (Author), Mohammad Moein Derakhshan Barjoei (Author), Ali Azarm (Author), Negar Sadighnia (Author), Reza Shakiba (Author), Ghazal Aghebati (Author), Negin Hadilou (Author), Parisa Kheiri (Author), Fariba Ghanbari (Author), Niloofar Deravi (Author), Melika Mokhtari (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 2023-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2345-6485; 2345-6418; 10.30476/dentjods.2022.95108.1836
• Keywords: sodium lauryl sulfate; oral medicine; drug effects; oral mucosa; oral cavity; periodontal health; Medicine; R; Dentistry; RK1-715
• Source: Journal of Dentistry, Vol 24, Iss 3, Pp 262-276 (2023)

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant, which has a wide range of usage in the health sector and in dental pharmaceutical products, especially in toothpastes. The objective of this review was to investigate the effects of SLS containing dentifrices on oral and periodontal health, possible side effects, and its benefits. A thorough literature search was done using databases of PubMed and Google Scholar and finally, 40 articles were included in the study. This narrative review revealed the sources of discrepancy and conflicting results regarding the impact of SLS on oral cavity as well as a lack of sufficient evidence in most topics. Hence, the evidence suggests improved drug bioavailability when used as a solubilizer, improved plaque control, and reduction in bad breath. On the other hand, SLS can serve as a risk indicator of prolonged oral wound healing time, recurrent aphthous stomatitis.