Sugar Substitutes & Oral Health

Many people love the taste of sugar. Whether it’s a sweetened coffee to start off the day or a slice of your favorite cake after dinner, there’s no denying what a large part sugar plays in many of our lives. Unfortunately, sugar can do a lot of harm to your teeth. Foods and drinks that contain it feed bacteria in the mouth, which then release acids that weaken your enamel and make your teeth more susceptible to decay. For this reason, you may want to switch to sugar substitutes. But are they really a better option? Keep reading to learn how they affect your smile.

How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Oral Health

One reason why people choose sugar substitutes over regular sugar is to lower their intake. Other people want to lessen their risk of cavities or overall health conditions like diabetes.

Fortunately, many sweeteners that don’t contain sugar don’t encourage bacterial growth. This means that they may be better for your smile additionally, the FDI World Dental Federation also found that xylitol and other non-cariogenic sugar substitutes actually reduce one’s risk of tooth decay.

6 Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay

Though sugar substitutes are generally the better choice when you’re looking to add some sweetness to your favorite treats, how else can you prevent tooth decay? Some ways to promote a healthy, happy beam include:

• Visit your dentist – See your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings. This will allow them to catch oral health issues early on and administer prompt treatment.
• Brush your teeth – Brushing once in the morning and once at night will allow you to prevent cavities and other oral health issues.
• Floss your smile – Clean between your teeth every night before you go to bed to remove plaque and food particles that have accumulated there throughout the day.
• Eat well – Consume dinner in moderation and eat a diet that’s high in vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, leafy greens, fish, nuts, and low-fat or fat-free dairy.
• Drink plenty of water – Dry mouth raises your risk of developing cavities, so make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. You can also suck on sugar-free candy, chew sugar-free gum, or eat fresh, crisp fruits and veggies.
• Quit unhealthy habits – If you smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products, drink alcohol excessively, chew on ice cubes, or use your teeth to open packages and bottles, stop doing these things to prevent oral health issues.

About the Practice

Dr. George T. Philip is a Sunnyvale-based dentist who offers a range of treatments to promote healthy, happy beams. They offer preventive treatments to help you keep oral health issues at bay. They can also give you tips on how to better care for your teeth at home and what foods will promote a healthy smile. To set up an appointment with Dr. George T. Philip or for more information on his services, visit his website or call his office at (972) 285-6144.