If
you or your child ever wondered why everything tastes pretty awful
after brushing your teeth in the morning, here's the answer!
There
is a chemical added to toothpaste that makes it foamy, assisting in
spreading around your mouth more easily. The chemical is called
sodium laureth sulfate which goes by multiple names including sodium
lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), as well as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
You can thank SLS for ruining your morning glass of orange juice.
These
chemicals are called surfactants . A wetting agent that helps to
reduce the tension of a liquid, in this case the toothpaste. This is
how you're able to get so much out of that little bit on your brush.
Beyond creating the foam effect in your mouth, SLS and SLES also
affects your taste buds in two ways;
- Suppresses the receptors that perceive sweetness which makes it more difficult for us to pick up any sweet tastes in anything we eat or drink afterward.
- Breaks up the phospholipids on our tongue. These are fatty molecules that inhibit the receptors for bitterness not allowing us to be overwhelmed by foods that are very bitter, but after you brush, the bitter taste is enhanced.
We
know that the side effects are temporary but if the little one
doesn't like it, there are alternative options. Opt for toothpastes
that are SLES/SLS free, but make sure they contain fluoride as that
is essential for healthy teeth.
Contact
Woodbridge Kids Dentistry
today for a check up on your child's teeth to ensure optimal health!
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