If you want to protect your smile, then there are often three things you might think about doing. They are brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugar. This sweet particle is a common cause of cavities, so you might wonder whether substitutes will be a better option for you. They can still affect your grin if you aren’t careful, so here’s what you should know to protect your oral health.
How Does Sugar Affect Teeth?
As a quick refresher, sugar can lead to decay because it feeds the bacteria in your mouth. They produce an enamel-dissolving acid that weakens the outer layer of your teeth. If this happens, you may develop sensitivity and notice a dark spot over time. Your dentist can treat them, oftentimes with a filling, to give you back your stronger smile. You can avoid problems by limiting your sugar intake and brushing and flossing consistently.
Are Sugar Substitutes Better for Your Smile?
You might still want something sweet on occasion, so you may want to reach for alternatives like aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, or stevia, to name a few. The good news is that they aren’t fermentable. Oral bacteria can’t metabolize them to produce an enamel-dissolving acid. Without a food source, they will start to die off. That means you may be protecting your smile by having these other sweeteners!
Can Sugar Substitutes Cause Oral Health Problems?
While sugar substitutes don’t lead to decay, that doesn’t mean they can’t cause any problems. Many of them are in sugar-free products, like juices and diet sodas. Items like these are acidic, which can erode your enamel the more you have them. That means you may still be at risk of cavities and other oral health issues.
Not only that, but long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners has been linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke risk, and a disruption in the gut microbiome. So, while decay may not be a problem, they can still be trouble.
In the end, while sugar substitutes don’t really affect your smile, they aren’t entirely beneficial. While you can still have natural and artificial sweeteners, keep them in moderation. That way, you enjoy the taste without harming your oral health.
About the Practice
Want to protect your teeth from trouble? Our team at Advanced Smile Design is dedicated to helping patients in Willow Grove with their dental problems by offering a wide range of treatments. Led by Dr. Krunal Patel and Dr. Deepa Gadde, we can spot problems while they are early and give you the effective treatment you need to stop them in their tracks. If you are due for your next routine checkup, schedule an appointment or call our office at 215-659-3334.
