Why Athladent Is SLS-Free (and Why That Matters for Your Mouth)

Most people don’t think twice about what’s in their toothpaste. But one common ingredient in many mainstream brands—sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)—can actually cause more harm than good, especially for athletes. That’s why Athladent is proudly SLS-free, using gentler surfactants that clean effectively without the side effects.

What Is SLS?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent and foaming agent. It’s what gives many toothpastes that thick, bubbly lather. While it helps spread toothpaste across your teeth, it doesn’t provide any direct health benefits. In fact, for many people, it can irritate the soft tissues of the mouth.

Why SLS Can Be Problematic

1. Mouth Irritation
Studies show that SLS can increase the risk of oral irritation, leading to dryness, burning sensations, or discomfort in sensitive mouths [1–2].

2. Canker Sores
SLS has been linked to higher rates of recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores). For athletes, who already put stress on their bodies, avoiding added oral irritation is important [3].

3. Dry Mouth
SLS may worsen dry mouth symptoms by disrupting the protective mucosal layer. Since athletes already struggle with reduced saliva from dehydration and heavy breathing during training, this can be a significant issue [4].

4. Enamel and Pellicle Disruption
The natural salivary pellicle—a protein-rich layer that protects teeth from acid erosion—can be disrupted by harsh detergents like SLS [5]. For endurance athletes frequently exposed to acidic sports drinks, this protection is critical.

What Athladent Uses Instead

Instead of SLS, Athladent uses cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB), a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil. CAPB:

  • Creates a mild, cleansing foam without harshness.

  • Preserves the salivary pellicle and protects oral soft tissues.

  • Reduces the risk of irritation, canker sores, and dry mouth.

The result is an effective clean that supports—not compromises—oral health.

Why This Matters for Athletes

Athletes face unique oral health challenges. The last thing they need is a toothpaste ingredient that prolongs their mouths from healing after exercise. 

Athladent’s SLS-free formula is designed with athletes in mind:

  • Gentle on gums and oral tissues.

  • Compatible with sensitive mouths.

  • Supportive of natural saliva and pellicle defenses.

From the Chair

As a dentist, I’ve seen many patients struggle with unexplained major and minor apthous ulcers. For athletes, these issues can interfere with fueling, hydration, and even performance. That’s why Athladent is proudly SLS-free: to give you a clean that’s effective, comfortable, and athlete-safe.

References

  1. Herlofson BB, Barkvoll P. Sodium lauryl sulfate and recurrent aphthous ulcers. Acta Odontol Scand. 1994;52(5):257–259.

  2. Shim YS, An SY, Yoon JH, et al. The effects of sodium lauryl sulfate on the oral mucosa. J Oral Pathol Med. 2012;41(7):511–517.

  3. Chahine L, Semprini M, Chahine A, et al. The role of sodium lauryl sulfate in aphthous stomatitis. Oral Dis. 2019;25(2):365–371.

  4. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. A guide to medications inducing salivary gland dysfunction, xerostomia, and subjective sialorrhea. Drugs R D. 2017;17(1):1–28.

  5. Hannig M, Joiner A. The structure, function and properties of the acquired pellicle. Monogr Oral Sci. 2006;19:29–64