Gentle dental care - that's why we avoid aggressive foaming agents
What is foaming agent, what is its function, and what alternatives are there? These are questions that very few can answer, even though we all use toothpaste and other products with foaming agents daily.
What is foaming agent?
Foaming agents or surfactants are found in everything that foams, including toothpaste, shampoo, soap, dishwashing detergent and laundry detergent. The purpose is to reduce surface tension (resistance) so that the product can spread more easily, reach and effectively remove dirt and other contaminants.
NLS - the most common foaming agent
Almost all foaming products use sodium lauryl sulfate, NLS. It is an effective, but quite aggressive, surfactant that most people can tolerate – but far from everyone. The skin is generally more tolerant than mucous membranes, which means that NLS may be acceptable in soap, for example, but less suitable in toothpaste where it comes into contact with the body's fragile oral mucosa.
How does NLS affect our oral mucosa?
The mucous membrane and skin are our natural protective barriers against physical, chemical and biological attacks. Research has shown that NLS can weaken this protective barrier, which can make it easier for bacteria and viruses to penetrate. As early as the 1970s, it was suspected that NLS could be linked to recurrent mouth ulcers (canker sores) and irritation of the oral mucosa. Despite this, NLS is still used in most toothpastes on the market today.
A milder alternative in Tjikko
Tjikko Toothpaste Tablets use a much milder foaming agent, based on coconut. We also use a lower amount of foaming agent compared to traditional toothpastes.
Why? Because baking soda is our polishing agent. Baking soda naturally bubbles and helps lift away dirt, reducing the need for strong surfactants. The result is a gentler product that still cleans effectively – and is kinder to both your oral mucosa and the environment.