Like most people, you probably know sugar isn’t good for teeth. Everyone from dentists and physicians to your parents will have told you as much. That said, you might wonder if the same applies to so-called sugar substitutes. Do artificial sweeteners decay pearly whites like sugar does? Fortunately, your Sunnyside dentist can answer this question. Read on, then, to learn sugar’s role in tooth decay, how its substitutes affect teeth, and why to go easy on the sweeteners.
Let’s Review: Sugar & Tooth Decay
Among other things, sugar is a known cause of tooth decay. It greatly harms your enamel when eaten in excess. As such, the material is a major obstacle to good oral health.
Granted, sugar doesn’t decay teeth directly. It simply acts as food for the harmful oral bacteria in your mouth. Those microbes then feed on the simple carb and leave behind tooth-eroding acids. Your pearly whites could then get worn away, leading to cavities.
Are Sugar Substitutes Bad for Teeth?
Surprisingly enough, sugar substitutes aren’t that bad for teeth. They don’t lead to tooth decay like the original product would.
You see, artificial sweeteners aren’t fermentable. That means oral bacteria can’t feed on them as a food source. Therefore, they don’t attract the microbes’ various tooth-decaying acids. On the contrary, they can protect against decay by causing such germs to die out. These sugar alternatives balance your salivary pH and reduce the presence of harmful bacteria.
If you’d like to sweeten a drink or snack without sugar, consider options like:
- Aspartame
- Saccharin
- Sucralose
- Stevia
- Acesulfame K
Go Easy on the Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners do have perks for oral health, but they aren’t without downsides. They tend to have their own adverse effects on the body.
In particular, sugar substitutes are linked with various health conditions. Some studies suggest that they raise stroke and heart disease risk. The substances could also contribute to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Researchers also note that their side effects include headaches, depression, and seizures.
Ultimately, you’ll want to be careful when using sugar substitutes. Even if they don’t cause tooth decay, the materials aren’t exactly nutritious. So, talk to your dentist about balancing them alongside your oral health and other bodily needs.
About the Practice
Dent-Care Dental Center is based in Sunnyside, NY. Led by Drs. Arthur Volker and Thomas Chung, our practice strives for effective dental care for all! To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, as well as emergency oral procedures. Our team also takes pride in being a certified provider of Invisalign clear aligners. For more information or to book a visit, reach us on our website or by phone at (718)-937-6750.