Dr. Katie To identifies sodium lauryl sulfate, the foaming agent in most toothpaste, as the main cause of canker sores and gum irritation. SLS is too strong and causes tissue damage in sensitive people. She also questions why toothpaste needs fluoride and other chemicals if you're already getting them from water and food.
Number one chemical we see in the toothpaste. I know what you're thinking. It's not fluoride. It's SLS. So it's a foaming agent. And that foaming agent actually causing a lot of patients' cheek and gum coming off. It's too strong. It's reactive. So that's number one I'm looking at the toothpaste is does it have SLS on it? There's so many other silica and chemical that doesn't need. If you already have plenty of calciums and fluoride in your water, in your system, then there's no need to use fluoride toothpaste.
