It is well known that lots of sugar over time can increase the chance of cavities. What about “sugar free” products? What about a diet Coke? Is that as bad as the original? Here are some of the options out there today: Most people use diet or sugar free products to reduce calories–to diet. Some avoid sugar due to medical conditions like diabetes.
What about dental caries or dental decay?
The bacteria that contribute to cavities feed off sugars to produce tooth damaging acids. However, other carbohydrates can be just as bad, or worse.
Why?
Well, a biscuit stuck between the teeth can break down into sugars. After a sugar “attack” the ph around the teeth goes down (becomes more acid) for about 30minutes or so. If you can brush within that time, or even just rinse out with water, that will help. The fluoride in the toothpaste helps as well.
Will switching to a sugar free product help?
Well, maybe, I think there is far less potential for cavity formation with sugar substitutes, but the potential is still there to a lesser degree. Just because you switch to a diet coke will not mean you’ll never get a cavity. Sucrose may be the worst, but bacteria can find a way to metabolize different compounds in some way. So, if you want to loose weight or have diabetic concerns, you will definitely consider the alternatives to sucrose. Be aware that certain products like colas, have other ingredients,like phosphoric acid (to enhance flavour), that may also lower the ph and make things more acid in your mouth..
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