A sweet pastry or beverage is a fantastic pick-me-up on any given day. However, having too many can spell bad news for your teeth, especially when using artificial sweeteners. Know the impact so you can keep enamel erosion at bay.
Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for Your Teeth?
Artificial sweeteners aren’t completely bad for your teeth. Certain ones, like sucralose, are less likely to cause tooth decay because they do not react with bacteria. No reactions mean no acids that would damage the tooth enamel.
However, it’s essential to address the other downsides of artificial sweeteners. For instance, they can increase cravings for sugary foods, which means consuming what could create those acids and break down your enamel.
Which is Worse for Your Teeth: Sugar or Artificial Sweeteners?
Ultimately, sugar is worse for your teeth than artificial sweeteners. These can interact with bacteria and create the acids that cause decay and cavities, which 80% of Americans experience by the time they reach their mid-thirties. Sugar can also make teeth more sensitive, especially if you have an infection.
Artificial sweeteners are viewed as an alternative flavoring that provides a sugary taste without worrying about acids. Just keep in mind that some formulations can be sweeter than sugar, which can make you develop cravings and endanger your dental health.
Tips to Sweeten Mindfully
Artificial sweeteners can contribute to breaking down tooth enamel. It’s important to be more conscious of what you’re consuming in your diet and how you’re taking care of your teeth. Follow these tips to wean yourself off them.
1. Identify Good Artificial Sweeteners
Sucralose is an ideal artificial sweetener because it neutralizes any existing acidity in food or the mouth. Xylitol has a similar formulation that stops bacterial adherence and growth in teeth, which can protect rather than decay the enamel.
That said, people can still have their own unique experience with different artificial sweeteners. Some may find that their bodies struggle to digest and metabolize food and drinks that have been artificially sweetened. In these cases, it’s important to hit pause.
2. Consider Alternative Sweeteners
It can also be helpful to explore alternative sweetening agents, especially if you’re in the pool of people who cannot handle artificial ones. Consider more natural and sustainable ingredients. Here are a few examples:
- Stevia: Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that is sweeter than sugar without the acidity, calories or artificial ingredients. It’s available in powder form, but you can also find liquid versions to incorporate it into drinks with ease.
- Honey: Honey is an excellent natural sweetener that comes from honeybees. While thicker than other ingredients, it can add a nice color and flavor to your food. It’s also antibacterial, which can benefit your teeth in the long run.
- Maple syrup: Known as one of the best pancake toppings, maple syrup can also serve as an alternative to artificial sweeteners. Authentic syrup is made from the sap of maple trees and is primarily made up of water.
3. Regulate Your Sweetener Use
Whether using artificial sweeteners, natural options or plain old sugar, be mindful about how often you consume them. Developing a sweet tooth can draw you further to sugary food and drinks, making your enamel susceptible to decay in the future.
You can start by limiting yourself to using these ingredients just a few times a week before gradually shrinking the amount and frequency of use. You can also mark some sugar-free days on your calendar to give your teeth and cravings a break.
4. Shop and Snack Wisely
Even if a food doesn’t taste all too sweet, it can still contain sweeteners that would keep you on a sugar high. For example, ketchup, barbecue sauce and other condiments may include sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Low-sugar and other healthy products, like low-fat yogurt and nut butters, can also contain these sweeteners. Check the ingredients list and be aware of how much you’re putting into your body. You can also compare and contrast which has a lower sugar content.
5. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
One way or another, you’re still going to encounter sugar or sweeteners in your everyday food and drinks. The best way to protect your tooth enamel is to have good oral hygiene habits in place. Put these examples into practice:
- Brush daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and remove all the food bacteria from your mouth. Do this at least twice per day.
- Floss and mouthwash: Food particles can get stuck in between your teeth. Make sure you’re flossing to clean these areas and prevent plaque. Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to cleanse your mouth of bacteria.
- Visit your dentist: Attend your regular dental checkups to clean your teeth and identify any possible issues early on. You can also consult your dentist about enamel-strengthening procedures like fluoride treatment.
Protect Your Enamel
Confirming that artificial sweeteners can harm your teeth can be pretty eye-opening as you manage your diet plan in the long run. Prioritize making more health-conscious decisions about sugary foods and drinks.
Comments are closed.