Let's Not Sugarcoat It: Viewing Sweeteners from a Dental Perspective
The industrialized world loves its sugar, and no one disputes that. The usual suspects are cupcakes, candy, etc., but processed foods such as granola bars and canned goods have their fill of sugar. Sugar isn’t big news for the dental community; it promotes inflammation, weight gain, accelerated aging, and pesky dental decay. There is also an association between high sugar and periodontal disease.1,2
Dentistry 101 told us that sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates metabolize to acids by oral bacteria, which lowers oral pH and can initiate tooth demineralization. Refined sugars are empty calories, although, like all carbohydrates, they do provide energy to the body, brain, and nervous system.
Glucose is the simplest of carbs, a monosaccharide, meaning one sugar. Glucose regulation can be tricky, and maintaining proper levels is necessary for survival. For those that have insulin resistance, diabetes, or just want to lower their sugar intake, what should they do? There is an abundance of options, but how do those other sweeteners relate to oral health? Sugar alcohols, natural caloric sweeteners, natural zero-calorie sweeteners, modified sugars, and artificial sweeteners have different effects on our teeth and our bodies...
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Dentistry 101 told us that sugars and other fermentable carbohydrates metabolize to acids by oral bacteria, which lowers oral pH and can initiate tooth demineralization. Refined sugars are empty calories, although, like all carbohydrates, they do provide energy to the body, brain, and nervous system.
Glucose is the simplest of carbs, a monosaccharide, meaning one sugar. Glucose regulation can be tricky, and maintaining proper levels is necessary for survival. For those that have insulin resistance, diabetes, or just want to lower their sugar intake, what should they do? There is an abundance of options, but how do those other sweeteners relate to oral health? Sugar alcohols, natural caloric sweeteners, natural zero-calorie sweeteners, modified sugars, and artificial sweeteners have different effects on our teeth and our bodies...
Click Here to Read More