What's all the buzz about the FOAM?!

Why Is There Foam in Toothpaste?

The foam in toothpaste usually comes from a common foaming agent called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

SLS isn’t unique to toothpaste — you’ll also find it in body wash, shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, household cleaners, and even engine degreasers.

So, why is this kind of ingredient used in something we put in our mouths?

Common Reasons for Foam in Toothpaste

• Helps spread the toothpaste – Foam makes the paste thinner and easier to move around, so it can reach all areas of your teeth and gums.

• Lifts away debris – Just like soap lather lifts dirt from skin, toothpaste foam helps loosen food particles and plaque.

• Creates a “clean” feeling – Many people associate foam with cleaning power, so toothpaste companies add it for the psychological effect, even though foam itself doesn’t do the cleaning.

• Keeps toothpaste in place longer – Foam helps toothpaste cling to teeth, giving active ingredients (like fluoride or hydroxyapatite) more contact time.

All of these sound like good reasons for some foam.

But here’s the key: foam doesn’t actually clean your teeth. The real cleaning comes from brushing and the active ingredients in your toothpaste.

Downsides of SLS

While SLS makes great foam, it also has some drawbacks:

1. Microbiome disruption – SLS is a strong detergent that kills bacteria indiscriminately, disrupting the oral microbiome that protects enamel, balances pH, and supports natural defenses.

2. Irritation – SLS can be harsh on delicate mouth tissues. It’s been linked to mouth ulcers (canker sores) and may leave the mouth feeling dry.

3. Altered taste – Ever noticed orange juice tastes bitter after brushing? SLS temporarily blocks sweet taste receptors while enhancing bitter ones.

4. False sense of clean – Foam feels satisfying, but it’s not what removes plaque — brushing and the toothpaste’s active ingredients do that job.

Why Your Oral Microbiome Matters

Your mouth is home to a living ecosystem of “good” and “bad” bacteria. A healthy balance keeps harmful microbes under control and protects against:

• Plaque buildup

• Cavities

• Gum disease

• Infections

When that balance is disrupted, the “bad” bacteria take over —

leading to inflammation, decay, and long-term oral health issues.

Our Better Approach

Instead of harsh chemical foaming agents, we use a natural foaming agent derived from coconuts.

It:

• Gently helps flush away debris lifted by your toothbrush

• Thickens the toothpaste so it stays in place longer

• Enhances the fresh, “clean” feeling you expect

• Does all this without harming the beneficial bacteria your mouth needs for balance

Your oral microbiome isn’t something to wipe out — it’s something to nourish and protect. That’s why we choose ingredients that work with your body, not against it.

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