Sweeteners Contribute to Dental Health

Even if teeth cannot be brushed after every meal, low calorie sweeteners will not cause tooth decay. That is because they are not fermented into harmful acids by oral bacteria. Under neutral conditions, tooth enamel is very durable. All carbohydrates which can be broken down, however, are fermented into acids by the bacteria in plaque, which forms naturally in the mouth.

The more we come into contact with carbohydrates, the more active are our oral bacteria. How quickly and thoroughly the acids that the bacteria produce complete their destructive work also depends on the condition of the teeth and on the care they receive, so good dental hygiene remains very important.

Since low calorie sweeteners do not contain fermentable carbohydrates, they do not add to the production of acids by oral bacteria. In fact, low calorie sweeteners are also used to improve the taste of products for dental and oral hygiene, thus contributing to caries prevention. It is well known that toothpastes and mouthwashes with an agreeable taste are used more consistently and frequently than products with a "medical" taste, especially by children.

Low calorie sweeteners can make a significant contribution to dental health.