Sugar-Free Treats could be as Damaging to Teeth as Sugary Foods

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A research study has revealed that sugar-free treats could be as damaging to teeth as sugary foods.

A paper published in the British Dental Journal has revealed that sugar-free gum, drinks and sweets that are promoted as healthy alternatives could actually be as harmful as sugary foods, as they contain acidic additives, which erode the protective enamel surfaces of the teeth.

The paper, ‘Are sugar-free confections really beneficial for dental health?’ investigated the role of additives that are used in place of sugar. The study found that sugar-free foods can reduce the risk of cavities, but they increase the risk of acid erosion, which makes the teeth vulnerable to damage.

The review, which was carried out by researchers at universities in Boston, Southern Nevada and Helsinki, concluded that additives such as sorbitol and xylitol may increase the risk of acid erosion and the public should be made aware of the possible risks of eating foods, especially as they are marketed as healthy products. Digestive problems were also highlighted as a possible result of eating sugar-free foods and researchers suggested that there was little evidence to support the fact that consuming these foods facilitated weight loss.

Professor Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser for the British Dental Association, said that excessive consumption of sugar-free products that are high in acid contributes to enamel erosion, which increases the risk of a tooth becoming damaged.

 

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