We often follow trends without even questioning them properly!
One such trend is shifting to Sugar free products— colas, biscuits , snacks and assuming that this automatically protects teeth. Well , this assumption is misleading.
Misconception
Cavity is not formed by sugar alone. When you eat carbohydrates , oral bacteria like Streptococcusferment them and produce acids. These acids lower the pH in the mouth and lead to demineralization of enamel over time which leads to cavity formation.
Most of these sugar free products consists of such components . They may
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Contain Acids( citric acids, phosphoric acids in drinks)
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Cause Prolonged exposure to teeth
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Be a triggering factor for demineralisation of enamel.
Sometimes , frequent healthy snacking is more dangerous than eating something sweet in one go!
What actually helps?
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Inculcation of Less frequent snacking habits.
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Proper rinsing after eating anything acidic or sugary .
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Allow formation of saliva for neutralisation of ph in oral cavity.
Conclusion
Sugar free can have a medical claim but is definitely not your dental safeguard.
So, Are we choosing better options or just better labels?
MBH/PS