Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent and foaming agent included in toothpaste and other dentifrices. Too much for too long can result in desquamation of the oral mucosa with epithelial sloughing.
Desquamation of the oral mucosa may appear as mucosal irritation or a grayish-white pseudomembrane.
Risk factors:
(1) high concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate
(2) dry mouth (either from disease or drugs with antisialic activity)
(3) prolonged oral mucosa contact (failure to rinse the mouth after cleaning or use on dentures)
(4) presence of other oral mucosal irritants
(5) personal sensitivity to SLS
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