I learned about this many years ago and the difference after I started using only SLS-free toothpaste was night and day. I used to get canker sores (mouth ulcers) any time I would bite the inside of my cheek, hit my gums with the hard parts of my toothbrush, etc., and this completely stopped a while after I switched to SLS-free.
SLS is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, by the way, and it’s a detergent. From what I understand, the only reason why it’s added to toothpaste is to make more foam when you brush. But the SLS-free toothpaste I use makes plenty of foam, so I have no idea why they add it. It’s one of those things about the modern world that makes absolutely no sense. The ads and packaging should say in big letters: “now with even more canker sores!”
Unfortunately, the vast majority of toothpastes on the market (at least in the US) have SLS. I can only seem to find SLS-free toothpaste in natural food/supplement stores. It’s extra difficult to find toothpastes that are SLS-free but that keep fluoride too. The difficulty (and price? I haven’t compared) is completely worth it to me though.
TL;DR: The SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) in most toothpastes is unnecessary and (edit: CAN cause) canker sores (painful sores in your mouth and gums). If you have this problem, you will likely benefit from SLS-free toothpaste (some still include fluoride) that you can usually find at natural food stores.
I always buy a specific brand toothpaste (turns out it is SLS free) but broke from my routine and bought crest or colgate or something. I use a small amount but I have to empty my mouth of foam midway through brushing. I hate it. Gross.
I also have a canker sore but have been brushing my teeth more often (with the crest) thinking it would help. I guess not.
I have another toothpaste (clinipro) which is not foamy enough, I always feel like I’m running out of toothpaste as I’m brushing.
After JASON discontinued the toothpaste I had been using for quite a while, I found Burt’s Bees and liked it. However, I recently found out by scanning it with the Yuka app that the Burt’s Bees paste had some other bad ingredient. So now I’ve switched to Hello toothpaste which seems to be pretty clean. If you ever get interested in trying another paste I would suggest Hello.
I’m quite attached to sensodyne since I have gum/cavity issues (genetics…). I want the science in my mouth. I don’t know how much of that belief is just good marketing but I’m afraid to test it.
I totally understand! After some people mentioned Sensodyne on this thread, I looked it up and indeed some Sensodyne “flavors” (but not all?) are SLS-free. From what I recall, there really is an ingredient in Sensodyne that reduces sensitivity. I don’t know about gum/cavity issues though. Maybe your dentist can confirm. Take care!