{"id":234,"date":"2023-12-08T01:08:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-08T01:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.calimesadentist.net\/blog\/?p=234"},"modified":"2024-01-08T01:10:25","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T01:10:25","slug":"sugar-alternatives-and-your-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.calimesadentist.net\/blog\/2023\/12\/08\/sugar-alternatives-and-your-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Sugar Substitutes Cause Cavities?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"SugarSugar is bad news for your waistline and overall wellness. As Americans work to decrease their sugar intake, the demand for substitutes has increased. Stevia, xylitol, and other artificial sweeteners don\u2019t have the same high-calorie content as regular sugar. As a result, they can help you maintain a healthy weight and improve your health. However, are they good for your teeth<\/a>? Here\u2019s how artificial sweeteners can affect your pearly whites.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Sugar Increases Your Risk of Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body, which protects the underlying dentin and pulp. It is stronger than some metals, but bacteria can break it down over time. Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria that can erode your enamel until a cavity develops. Enamel can\u2019t regenerate, so decay won\u2019t go away with no treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Harmful oral bacteria thrive on the sugary residue left behind by the foods and drinks you consume. Dental professionals recommend moderating sugars and starches to keep your enamel strong and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artificial Sweeteners and Tooth Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve made the switch to artificial sweeteners, there\u2019s good news for your smile. Sugar substitutes are not fermentable, so bacteria can\u2019t use them as food. Therefore, they don\u2019t contribute to tooth decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although sugar substitutes won\u2019t harm your teeth, drinking soda doesn\u2019t become any safer for your smile. Diet soda is still acidic, which can lead to enamel loss. Fruit juices with sugar alternatives aren\u2019t any better. They contain natural sugars and can be acidic, like orange juice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water is always the best choice for your mouth and body. You\u2019ll stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist and clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect Against Tooth Decay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Besides cutting regular sugar from your diet, you can protect your teeth from decay by committing to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n