Toxicity of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate and Other Detergents in Cultures of Human Oral Mucosa Epithelium

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative cytotoxic effects of the detergents sodium dodecyl sulphate, Triton X-100, sodium oleate, stearyl etoxylate, sodium cholate and sodium taurocholate. Sodium dodecyl sulphate and stearyl etoxylate are used as dentifrice ingredients. Cultures of human oral epithelial cells were exposed to dilutions of the detergents for five minutes. Acute cytomorphological changes and membrane damage (leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, acid phosphatase and UV-absorbing material [280nm]) were monitored. Cytomorphological changes and cell proliferation were subsequently observed during the following week of recovery. Sodium dodecyl sulphate and Triton X-100 caused the most pronounced cytotoxic reactions, and it is concluded that more attention should be focused on the use of non-toxic detergents in oral hygiene products.