We all know some tips and tricks to protect our teeth, don’t we? The first golden rule is to stop consuming sweetened drinks and food items. However, if you are craving something sweet, you can simply take a bite from any sugar-free product available in the market. Dentists from the top implant dental clinic say that people who think consuming sugar-free products are healthier should give it a second thought.
What Are the Effects of Consuming Sugar-Free Products?
You would be surprised to know that sugar-free products can do more harm to your teeth than sugar-rich products.
The logic is simple. When sugar content is taken out from a food item, it is replaced with a sugar substitute. Sucrose, aspartame, agave, saccharin, neotame, sucralose, sorbitol, and xylitol to name a few. These all are sugar alcohol.
Also, note that these sugar substitutes are not necessarily damaging your teeth. But when they can make a dangerous combination when clubbed with food colours and artificial preservatives. It boosts the acidic levels in the mouth, making it prone to cavities and tooth decay.
Are There Any Good Sugar-Free Foods?
Some sugar-free products can be good for your oral health. However, it is crucial to first read and understand the labels on the packages. Because not every sugar-free labelled product is, in reality, sugar-free. Here is a list of the most popular sugar-free products that you often spot in stores.
- Sugar-free Drinks – Although drinks that contain artificial sweeteners helps to keep the sugar intake low. But, these artificial sweeteners contain acidic chemicals that can soften the tooth enamel. The result is dental erosion. Dental experts recommend increasing the intake of dairy products to maintain the health and strength of the teeth.
- Chewing Gums – Dental professionals say sugar-free chewing gums can surprisingly benefit the teeth and gums. They do a wonderful job of cleaning acid from the teeth and massaging the gums. Moreover, Xylitol can help in preventing cavities and tooth decay. The best part about chewing gums is that it helps in boosting saliva production and washing away food debris. But there is a catch. Chewing gums frequently can also make your jaw joints sore. So make sure you keep a check on it.
- Candy – Departmental stores are piling up their shelves with sugar-free candies. These products might appear healthy at the first glance. But buyers have to be extra careful about the type of candies they consume. Candies that have citric acid can damage their teeth. Apart from this, chewy and sticky candies, even if they are sugar-free, can leave sticky residue on the teeth surface or transparent braces. Considering the extent of damage, experts recommend avoiding hard lollipops, candies, and caramels at any cost.
Bottom Line
People who regularly practice good dental hygiene can avert many dental problems even after consuming sugar-free foods. However, they should avoid going for fruit flavoured sugar-free products as they contain a high amount of acidic substances. On the contrary, they can go for flavours like mint and chocolate as they are comparatively smoother on the teeth. Whatever you choose, in the end, it is more about moderation than anything else.
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