Surfactants in toothpaste: The hidden ingredient damaging your oral microbiome

Every day, millions of people use toothpaste without knowing the effects of one of its most common ingredients: surfactants. These compounds, present in most commercial toothpastes, are primarily added to create foam and keep ingredients well mixed. However, recent research shows that these components can significantly alter our oral microbiome, that essential bacterial ecosystem that maintains a healthy mouth. In this article, we'll explain what these ingredients are, how to identify them, and why you should consider healthier alternatives for your daily oral hygiene.

What are surfactants and emulsifiers?

Surfactants, also known as surface-active agents, are compounds that reduce the surface tension of liquids and allow mixing of ingredients that normally wouldn't mix. The most common in toothpastes is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), but there are many others with similar names. These ingredients have a molecular structure with a hydrophilic part (water-attracting) and a hydrophobic part (water-repelling), which allows them to act as a bridge between substances that would normally separate. In your toothpaste, they're responsible for creating that abundant foam we associate with cleaning, although in reality, foam isn't necessary for effective hygiene.

How they affect your oral health

The impact of surfactants on our oral health is significant and concerning. These substances have bactericidal properties that don't discriminate between "good" and "bad" bacteria, disrupting the delicate balance of the oral microbiome. Just as we've learned about the importance of the gut microbiome, the one in our mouth plays a crucial role in preventing cavities, periodontal disease, and bad breath.

Surfactants work by breaking down the lipid (fat) and protein layers that form the cell walls of bacteria. This mechanism affects not only pathogenic microorganisms but also the beneficial bacteria that protect us. Additionally, these compounds can:

• Dry out the oral mucosa, thinning its delicate protective layer
• Promote the appearance of canker sores and mouth ulcers
• Irritate the soft tissues of the mouth
• Cause a sensation of dryness after brushing
• Temporarily alter taste perception

One study showed that people who use toothpastes with surfactants experience a higher incidence of canker sores, a finding that led some brands, like Sensodyne, to remove these ingredients from some of their formulas.

Warning signs: Are they harming you?

How can you tell if the surfactants in your toothpaste are affecting your oral health? There are signs you can easily identify:

1. Sensation of dry mouth after brushing
2. Frequent appearance of canker sores or mouth ulcers
3. Sensitivity or irritation in the gums and mucous membranes
4. "Rough" or unpleasant sensation after brushing
5. Persistent bad breath despite maintaining good hygiene

A simple experiment you can do at home is to wash your hands with your regular toothpaste. If afterward you notice your skin is dry, rough, or feels "tight," this indicates the powerful drying effect it's also having on the delicate mucous membranes of your mouth.

Healthy alternatives: Surfactant-free toothpastes

The good news is that there are increasingly accessible alternatives. Toothpastes without surfactants and emulsifiers represent less than 1% of the market, but their availability is increasing thanks to growing awareness about the oral microbiome. These alternatives:

• Are more respectful of your oral microbiome
• Reduce the likelihood of developing canker sores
• Provide a more pleasant and natural sensation after brushing
• Don't leave the mouth dry or with an artificial feeling

Among the brands offering products without these ingredients are Primal Organics and Fig. When using these toothpastes, you might notice that:

• They don't produce as much foam as conventional toothpastes
• They need a slight massage of the tube before use to homogenize the ingredients
• They have a more natural and less intense flavor
• They leave a moisturizing sensation instead of a dry one

How to identify these ingredients on labels

Toothpaste manufacturers increasingly use derivatives and alternative names for these ingredients. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is the best known, but there are many variants. Some of the most common names you should look for on labels are:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
• Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine
• Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
• Any ingredient containing "sulfate" or "surfactant"

Don't be fooled by labels claiming to be "natural" or "plant-derived." Although the origin may be vegetable (like coconut), the mechanism of action remains the same: degrading lipids and proteins, altering your oral microbiome.

Protect your oral microbiome

The paradigm of oral health is changing. We've gone from trying to "disinfect" the mouth to understanding that we must nourish and maintain a balanced oral microbiome. Surfactants and emulsifiers represent an outdated approach that considers all bacteria as enemies.

For optimal oral health, choose products that respect your microbial ecosystem. Remember that toothpaste is not a magic solution: good nutrition, proper hydration, and consistent hygiene habits remain fundamental.

If you experience problems such as recurrent canker sores, consider temporarily eliminating all commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes. Dry brushing, with water or baking soda, can be sufficient while your mucous membranes recover.