Resin-based dental materials polymerized using blue light are frequently used in dental practice and may come in contact with the oral mucosa. Remnants from oral hygiene product ingredients, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), add to the chemical exposure of the mucosa. The aim of the present in vitro study was to elucidate the cytotoxic effects in terms of apoptosis and necrosis after exposures to combinations of an adhesive (0.5% and 0.6%), SLS (concentration range 0.0025%-0.0075%), and irradiation from a dental curing lamp (radiant exposure of 8 J cm(-2)). The test system chosen was rat submandibular salivary gland acinar cells, and the cytotoxic effects were measured by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry methods. Cytotoxicity was observed as a result of irradiation. The most pronounced cytotoxic effects were seen in cells exposed to a combination of adhesive and SLS compared with those exposed to either agent alone. Necrosis was the dominating form of cell death for all exposures, except for the highest concentration of SLS. Apoptosis was dose-dependent on SLS in the rat submandibular acinar cells. Cytotoxic considerations of dental materials should include contributions from irradiation and other chemicals that might be present in the oral cavity.