Why does Tom's of Maine use SLS in their toothpaste?

Ever wonder that?
I did as I stood in the local health food store contemplating trying a new toothpaste and lo and behold, I saw Tom's of Maine Apricot Whitening Toothpaste...

sounded interesting perhaps

until I saw they use SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)


Now, they have it on their site saying basically there's no reason not to use it
http://www.tomsofmaine.com/faq/#OCT12

BUT, there's no benefit IN using it at all so WHY use it?!
just for some foaming action?!!!

You can make up your own mind but here's just a few links showing some info on the downfalls of using it so one has to wonder why anyone would buy Tom's of Maine when there are better natural, SLS free, flouride free toothpastes out there.

http://oliviag.multiply.com/journal/item/44


http://poison.spiritworld.info/sodium-laureth%5Byl%5D-sulfate.html


http://www.health-report.co.uk/sodium_lauryl_sulphate.html