What are ‘sugar-free’ products?
Sugar-free products are food and beverages which have had the sugar content replaced by an artificial sweetener. Sweeteners are a calorie-free alternative which give food and drinks the taste of being sugary, whilst cutting out the sugar content.
Some of the common types of sweeteners used in the UK include:
- Xylitol
- Aspartame
- Sucralose
- Saccharin
- Acesulfame K
Are artificial sweeteners bad for you?
All of the sweeteners used within the UK are regulated and meet the safety standard for consumption. Any claims around sweeteners causing cancer have been discredited by Cancer Research, which has not been able to find a correlation between artificial sweeteners causing cancer.
Are sugar-free products safe for the teeth?
While not inherently ‘healthy’, sweetener-based products offer a means to enjoy familiar flavours without the excessive sugar load.
Limiting dietary sugar plays a pivotal role in preserving long-term oral health. Frequent sugar consumption significantly heightens the risk of dental caries by further fuelling harmful bacteria.
Should I swap out all sugary food for sugar-free alternatives?
Swapping out your sugary snacks and drinks can reduce the overall risk of decay. However, that doesn’t mean you need to cut sugar out of your diet altogether. Our bodies convert sugar into glucose, which is used for energy. Incorporating natural sugars into your diet is a great way to address your nutritional needs while remaining healthy. Natural sugars can be found in products like fruit, honey, dairy and even some vegetables.
We recommend substituting certain foods where possible which contain processed sugars, like: carbonated soft drinks, sweets, baked goods, breakfast cereals and desserts.
Adjusting the diet to switch out products for sugar-free alternatives can not only improve the health of the body, but it also impacts the health of our mouths. A lack of exposure to high volumes of sugar mitigates the overall risk of issues like dental caries.
This doesn’t mean to say you can no longer enjoy the foods containing higher volumes of sugar; we advise practising mindfulness around sugar consumption, as it can significantly deteriorate health when not properly monitored. Reducing your intake by making swaps for sugar-free sweets can help you satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your teeth safe.
It’s also important to note that whilst sugar-free carbonated drinks don’t contain sugar, the acid within the product can still increase the risk of decay. We recommend limiting the amount of soft drinks you have, and advise flossing and brushing regularly to ensure no acids are left on the teeth.
Are you concerned about the overall health of your mouth? Patients concerned with the impact of their diet on their dental health should not hesitate to contact our team. Our dental hygienists are able to discuss any concerns around hygiene and decay prevention, equipping patients with the skills and knowledge to prevent decay. Using a combined strategy of routine cleaning and making switches in their diet.