The Truth About Foaming Agents in Toothpaste, and Why RiseWell Does Not Believe in the Bubbles!

As you browse the toothpaste aisle at your local store or read the ingredient label of your toothpaste at home, you might be surprised to learn that many toothpastes contain harmful foaming agents like sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). While SLS is perhaps the most well-known foaming agent, many toothpaste brands use similar harmful foaming agent ingredients with different names, to hide the fact that it isn't SLS. Some of these ingredients used are: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate. 

As RiseWell’s Co-founder, Dr. Derek Gatta, explains below, foaming agents like SLS go by many names, and you don’t need or want ANY of them in your mouth!

If you’re not currently using our Natural Hydroxyapatite Mineral Toothpaste, this article is for you!

What are foaming agents, and why are they harmful in toothpaste?

Foaming agents are added to toothpaste to create the satisfying foam that we have historically associates with tooth brushing. However, these agents are not necessary for toothpaste to effectively clean teeth.

Additionally, foaming agents like SLS have been shown to cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, cheeks, and tongue, leading to canker sores and other mouth irritations. These agents can dry out the mouth, leading to a decrease in saliva production, which can cause bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

What Makes SLS Harmful?

SLS is so harmful that the European Union (EU) has already banned it in foods, but in the United States it is still used in many toothpastes. A 2019 article published in the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS) suggested that SLS interferes with fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are cells in connective tissue that produce collagen and other fibers which are critical to the healing of a wound. SLS has such a strong effect that it can potentially cause mouth ulcers, canker sores, and sloughing inside the mouth. Sloughing is a condition that occurs when the oral mucosa is irritated, and the dead cells inside the mouth, cheeks, back of the throat, palate, and inner lips separate and peel.  Don’t believe these products are irritating your mouth? Try a week without these ingredients and see how you feel.  You will never want to go back.

What other common foaming agent ingredients are used in toothpaste, and what harm can they cause?

• Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: While this ingredient is often touted as a gentler alternative to SLS, it has been shown to cause mouth irritation and canker sores in some people.
• Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: This ingredient is often used in "natural" toothpaste products, but it can cause dry mouth and has been shown to be a skin irritant.
• Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate: This ingredient is often used in "organic" toothpaste products, but it can cause dry mouth and has been shown to be a skin irritant.

Why does RiseWell use all-natural, non-toxic ingredients that do not contain foaming agents?

At RiseWell, we believe in providing effective oral care products that are free from harmful ingredients. We use only all-natural, 100% clean, and safe ingredients in our toothpaste to promote optimal oral health. Our toothpaste is formulated with ingredients like hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that helps to strengthen and remineralize teeth, and xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities. By avoiding harmful foaming agents, our toothpaste is able to clean and protect teeth effectively without causing irritation or dryness.

Our mouths are the gateway to our overall health and well-being. From the food we eat to the products we use, every ingredient we put into our mouths matters.  At RiseWell, we're committed to creating formulations with the cleanest, safest, and most effective ingredients possible. Our goal is to bring people everywhere the healthiest, sparkliest smiles possible without any harmful ingredients like foaming agents that can cause harm to your teeth and mouth. By starting your day with our natural and effective oral care products, you can be confident that you’ll experience your healthiest, happiest smile yet. 

About Dr. Derek Gatta: He is not only Co-Founder of RiseWell, but is also a partner at Dr Max & Dr Gatta PLLC in Boca Raton, Florida. If you are in the area, he is your go-to dentist!