Sugary candies, gums, and sticky treats are among the major culprits for causing tooth decay. In order to reduce the occurrence of tooth decay, your family dentist will probably suggest that you avoid sugary treats. However, some sugar-free candies can actually help protect your teeth from decay.
Why Sugary Treats Cause Decay
Sugary treats introduce high levels of sugar into the mouth. The bacteria that naturally live in your mouth consume sugars, and then create an acidic waste product that collects on the tooth surfaces. This acidic product is known as plaque. If it remains on your teeth for a period of time, it hardens into tartar, which is difficult to remove. [pullquote]…Some sugar-free candies can actually help protect your teeth from decay.[/pullquote]
Both plaque and tartar are highly acidic. The acid in these substances can eat through the surfaces of the teeth, creating cavities. Brushing your teeth helps remove the food fragments and sugary residue that remain behind as well as plaque that is left behind by hungry bacteria. Reducing the amount of sugar you eat deprives the bacteria of their food and reduces the amount of waste they produce, which becomes plaque and tartar.
How Sugar-Free Treats Can Help
Sugar-free treats can help reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. As with any treats, they should be used in moderation, because they lack nutritional value. However, moderate use of some sugar-free foods can actually help keep your teeth healthier.
One of the natural side effects of eating hard candy or chewing gum is saliva production. Chewing sugar-free gum can increase your saliva production, which helps wash away sugars and food particles that might otherwise collect on your teeth. Xilitol, a popular artificial sweetener, also can reduce the acid levels in your mouth, which also helps protect your teeth from decay.
Sugar-free treats can also help if you suffer from dry mouth. This condition causes a lowered saliva production, so chewing gum or sucking on hard candies can stimulate additional saliva flow. Using sugar-free treats to treat this condition can help alleviate your dry mouth as well as helping fight tooth decay. If you have questions about what sugar-free treats are best for you, ask your family dentist at the doctor Family Dentistry at your next appointment.