Artificial sweeteners are low-calorie or calorie-free alternatives to sugar.
They are used to sweeten foods and drinks without adding sugar.
You’ll find them in many everyday products, including:
Soft drinks and flavoured waters.
Desserts and ready meals.
Cakes and sweets.
Sugar-free chewing gum.
Toothpaste and mouthwash.
Why do artificial sweeteners matter for oral health?
Sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque, which produce acids that cause tooth decay.
Artificial sweeteners:
Do not feed plaque bacteria.
Do not cause acid attacks on teeth.
Are much safer for teeth than sugar.
This makes them a useful option for protecting oral health.
What types of sweeteners are commonly used?
There are many approved sweeteners used around the world, including:
Acesulfame K
Aspartame
Saccharin
Sorbitol
Sucralose
Stevia
Xylitol
Some products contain a mix of sweeteners.
Are artificial sweeteners safe?
Yes. Artificial sweeteners used in food and drink are… Source by Oral Health Foundation Read More
