When it comes to protecting smiles, there are often three main pillars to follow at home. That’s brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugar. It’s a sweet particle that can lead to decay, but does this still happen with its substitutes? You might wonder what, if any, effect it has on your grin, so here’s what you should know to better understand how to prevent problems in your oral health.
Why Don’t Sugar and Teeth Mix?
As a quick refresher, sugar causes issues for your teeth because the bacteria in your mouth feed off this substance. When they do, they produce an acid that can erode your enamel. As this progresses, you will have a spot of decay that can only be treated by a dentist. To avoid any problems, many providers recommend limiting your intake of sweets; that way, your grin stays strong and healthy.
How Do Sugar Substitutes Affect My Smile?
Since sugar and its alternatives might taste similar, it’s easy to assume they cause cavities just as well. However, these substitutes often don’t lead to this problem. No matter if it’s aspartame, saccharin, sucralose, stevia, or acesulfame K, they aren’t fermentable. The bacteria in your mouth can’t metabolize and consume them. Since they don’t have a source of food, germs will die off and possibly protect your teeth just a bit more!
Does This Mean Sugar Substitutes Don’t Cause Any Problems?
Although artificial sweeteners won’t decay your teeth, that doesn’t mean you should go crazy with them! They can still cause their own issues if you aren’t careful. “Sugar-free” juices, diet soda, and the like are acidic. They can still weaken your enamel the more you have them, which can increase your risk of an oral health issue.
Long-term consumption of them has also been linked to cardiovascular and stroke risks or even a disruption in your gut microbiome. So, while they may not be trouble for your oral health, they can still stir some up if you aren’t careful.
In the end, sugar substitutes don’t necessarily affect your smile too much, but they aren’t entirely nutritious for you. You can still have both natural and artificial sweeteners, but moderation is key. That way, you enjoy the taste without impacting your grin too much.
About the Practice
If you’re worried about how your diet is impacting your oral health, then our team at Geller Dentistry is here to help you out. Led by Dr. Benjamin Geller and Dr. Gloria Garcia-Geller, we are proud to help the Los Angeles community protect their teeth and gums. By staying on top of your checkups and cleanings, we can ensure there aren’t any red flags you need to worry about. If you are due for your next semi-annual visit, schedule an appointment or call our office at (323)467-1472.