CATEGORY 94 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST Many patients want to know what’s the best toothpaste for them and when recommending it’s important we make decisions based on the patient’s individual needs. First, we must ask, “What does the patient need?” And “What are the patient’s risks?” Once we have looked at the patient’s risk for caries and periodontal disease, we then need to consider what the patients wants are, does the patient want a natural toothpaste, do they want a non-mint flavour? Many dental professional thinks straight away about the fluoride content of toothpaste and whilst this is important to consider many don’t think about some of the chemicals the toothpastes they are recommending contain and how this can increase the risk of oral disease for some patients as well. A common chemical in toothpaste is SodiumLaural Sulfate or commonly known as SLS. SLS is a surfactant and detergent commonly used in many personal care products, including toothpaste and mouthwash. It what makes the products foam and essentially, it’s a fancy word for detergent. Several studies have shown that SLS can disrupt the delicate balance of the oral microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and potential harm to oral health. The oral microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganism that inhabit the oral cavity. These microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining oral health by preventing the colonization of pathogenic bacteria, which can cause many oral health problems. A study by Shen (2019) examined the effect of SLS on oral bacteria composition in vitro. The study evaluated the effect of SLS on the growth of five bacteria species (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus gordonii, Actinomyces, Fusobacterium nucleatum, andPorphyromonasgingivalis). The study showed that SLS had a varying effect on different bacteria species. While the growth of some bacteria species was inhibited by SLS, others were not affected or even stimulated by the detergent. A study by Neppleberg and colleagues (2007) found that SLS can cause more harm than good to oral health. The study evaluated the effect of SLS on oral bacteria and mucosal epithelial cells in vitro. The study showed that SLS disrupted the balance of the oral microbiome by reducing the number of beneficial bacteria and increasing the number of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the study found that SLS damaged the mucosal epithelial cells, leading to inflammation and disruption of the oral barrier function. Further research has also shown an increase in oral ulcers caused by SLS and several patients who have reported irritation and inflammation of the gingiva that resolves when they stop using a toothpaste with SLS (Taylor et.,al 2019) In conclusion, the effect of SLS on the oral microbiome is a complex topic that requires further research. While some studies suggest that SLS can be beneficial for oral health by reducing the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth, other studies have shown that SLS can disrupt the delicate balance of the oral microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria and potential harm to oral health. Therefore, it is recommended to choose toothpaste and mouthwash products with alternative surfactants or non-detergent formulations toprotect theoralmicrobiome while maintaining good oral hygiene. u For a complete list of references email gapmagazines@gmail.com LINICAL Tabitha Acret SLS – why you need to consider this when recommending a toothpaste By Tabitha Acret Tabitha Acret is a dedicated and passionate award-winning dental hygienist. She studied a Bachelor of Oral Health at Newcastle University after working as a dental nurse and practice manager for 10 years and graduated in 2008. Since qualifying, Tabitha has become one of the most sought-after hygienists and educators in Australia and internationally, with a fast-growing and loyal customer base of patients, dental professionals, and media. Tabitha was previously the National Vice-President for the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia and has volunteered in many roles since graduation from the Association. She also has a passion for educating students, working as a Clinical Educator at Sydney University and currently works as a clinical educator for implant maintenance and non-surgical periodontal therapy. She lectures and writes regularly for both industry and consumer press on motivating patients, implant maintenance, disease prevention, and periodontal therapy. She is also the owner of Level UP Preventative Care. Winner of the 2018 Leadership Award in Dental Hygiene and the 2019 Award for Clinical Excellence, Tabitha has dedicated her professional life to continued learning and sharing her passion with the dental community. Outside of her busy work life of lecturing and working clinically in private practice, Tabitha enjoys volunteering locally and internationally to raise awareness and change how oral health care is delivered to patients.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTc3NDk3Mw==