TOOTHPASTES

Toothpastes are dangerous. One of the culprits is sodium laurel sulphate (SLS), a fierce detergent used as a foaming agent. You may get the impression that your teeth are going to become sparkly clean when you see all that foam, but the truth is, SLS is officially listed as a poison, and as a primary irritant. It binds to tissues, so is not removed by simply rinsing the mouth with water. SLS also damages the friendly bacteria in the mouth, while leaving others, such as streptococci and E coli, unharmed. The worst news of all is that SLS causes periodontitis (gum disease) which is extremely painful and expensive to treat, and can lead to tooth loss.SLS, which is common in cosmetics, shampoos, baby wash and bubble bath, has been known for years to cause brain, heart and lung damage if used long term. As well, it can cause permanent eye damage, severe skin irritation, eczema, hair loss and degradation of the immune system. There has been so much backlash because of public education about SLS that manufacturers now often list it as 'SLS, derived from coconuts'. What they neglect to mention is that it is prepared with sulphur trioxide, chlorosulphonic acid, and neutralised with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Sodium laureth sulphate, used in cosmetics claimed to be 'natural', is only slightly less dangerous. These chemicals, which are found in many products, must be carefully avoided.

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