The Role of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as a Causative Agent of Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration

Abstract

Background: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent that has been used as the major surfactant in most dentifrices and could affect the barrier function of oral mucosa causing enhanced penetration of exogenous antigens.

Objective: The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the effects of an SLS-free dentifrice and an SLS-containing dentifrice in patients suffering of recurrent aphthous ulcers .

Method: This study was achieved in private clinic in 10/1/2015 to 1/6/2015,in this study, 33 volunteers (20 women, 13 men; mean age, 22 years: range, 15-35 years) were included, all have a history of recurrent aphthous ulceration. Two different dentifrices were used in the study. One contained SLS, and the other was SLS free. The patients were randomly allocated to one of the test toothpastes for 8 weeks, Then the patients changed to the other toothpaste for another 8 weeks period. The patients were asked to record on 100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS) the soreness arising of the ulcerated area, as well as the total number of ulcers, t-test was used to determine the statistical difference.

Results: The number of ulcers and baseline soreness scores were significantly less in the group of patients using SLS free tooth paste

Conclusions: This study concluded that using SLS free tooth baste can decrease the number of recurrent aphthous ulcers and the soreness that result of these ulcers regardless of the gender of the patients.

Recommendations: It was recommended to enhance the use of SLS free tooth baste to minimize the number of recurrent aphthous ulcers and the soreness.