Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for My Teeth?
If you are like many Americans you may be turning to "Sugar Substitutes" (artificial or natural sweeteners) as a way to lose weight or curb your sugar intake. You might be wondering if all Sugar Substitutes are the same for your teeth.
Sugar Substitutes are often found in products labeled “sugar-free” or “diet”. They are found in many products including juice, chewing gum, desserts, candy, soda, ice cream, yogurt, etc. Importantly, Sugar Substitutes are not all the same. 2 large categories include Artificial and Natural (non-sugar) type Sweeteners (see table).
Sugar Substitutes are often found in products labeled “sugar-free” or “diet”. They are found in many products including juice, chewing gum, desserts, candy, soda, ice cream, yogurt, etc. Importantly, Sugar Substitutes are not all the same. 2 large categories include Artificial and Natural (non-sugar) type Sweeteners (see table).
Artificial Sweetener
|
Natural Sweeteners
|
Sunett,
Sweet One
|
Agave Nectar
|
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)
|
Date Sugar
|
Neotame
|
Fruit Juice Concentrate
|
Saccharin (Sweet’N Low)
|
Honey
|
Sucralose (Splenda)
|
Maple Syrup
|
In addition, there are "Sugar Alcohols" such as Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol. As you can see this can be a very confusing subject. Sugar Substitutes (esp. artificial sweeteners) are regulated by Federal Drug Administration, and are generally recognized as being safe for human consumption in moderation.
Not all "Sugar Substitutes" are the same when looking at the effects on tooth decay. Dental health agencies promote the use of Xylitol, because of its anti-cavity properties. Meaning, there is scientific evidence that suggests that Xylitol reduces the bacteria in the mouth that causes dental cavities. In addition, Xylitol has also shown to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth. Dry mouth can also cause cavities as saliva is necessary to help reduce the amount of acid that can be found in the mouth.
While Xylitol may be proven to be the superior Sugar Substitute (S.S.), it's really the truth that all S.S.s are better than plain sugar, honey, molasses or sugars derived from fruit and here's why.
Bacteria in the mouth often combines with these sugars and creates an acid that when left on the teeth that cause decay. Bacteria cannot combine w the S.S.s so the bacteria remain harmless when exposed to these products.
Further ... Many dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum after meals if brushing is not an option. The current research suggests that Xylitol gum may be the best option for sugar-free gum, but they all sugar-free brands show benefits when used after meals.
Here is the "Catch" however. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because something is sugar-free it is good for your teeth. Many diet sodas and fruit juices, although they contain artificial sweeteners, they have high levels of acid - which by itself is harmful to your tooth (it doesn't even need the bacteria to "eat away" at your tooth (ie decay). If you have concerns about artificial sweeteners, Sugar Substitutes and the effects they may have on your teeth, your dentist is a great source of information.
Bacteria in the mouth often combines with these sugars and creates an acid that when left on the teeth that cause decay. Bacteria cannot combine w the S.S.s so the bacteria remain harmless when exposed to these products.
Further ... Many dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum after meals if brushing is not an option. The current research suggests that Xylitol gum may be the best option for sugar-free gum, but they all sugar-free brands show benefits when used after meals.
Here is the "Catch" however. Don’t be fooled into thinking that because something is sugar-free it is good for your teeth. Many diet sodas and fruit juices, although they contain artificial sweeteners, they have high levels of acid - which by itself is harmful to your tooth (it doesn't even need the bacteria to "eat away" at your tooth (ie decay). If you have concerns about artificial sweeteners, Sugar Substitutes and the effects they may have on your teeth, your dentist is a great source of information.
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