When we think of oral hygiene, we often think of brushing and flossing regularly. While these are essential practices, our diet plays a crucial role in maintaining good oral health.

The food and drinks we consume can either promote or harm our dental health. Sugary foods and drinks are known to be harmful to teeth, as they produce acid that erodes the enamel, leading to cavities. But what about sweeteners? While they may be less harmful than sugar, some are better for oral health than others.

This article explores the benefits of low-temperature sweeteners and how they contribute to good oral hygiene.

What are low-temperature sweeteners?

Low-temperature sweeteners are sugar substitutes that are typically used as alternatives to sugar. These sweeteners are called “low-temperature” because they can withstand heat without breaking down or losing their sweetness.

As a result, they can be used in cooking and baking. Low-temperature sweeteners include:.

Erythritol
Xylitol
Stevia
Monk fruit extract

How do low-temperature sweeteners benefit oral hygiene?

Low-temperature sweeteners are beneficial to oral hygiene in several ways:.

They don’t contribute to tooth decay: Unlike sugar, low-temperature sweeteners don’t feed the bacteria in the mouth that produce acid, which erodes the enamel and causes cavities.
They don’t affect insulin levels: Low-temperature sweeteners don’t raise blood sugar levels or cause insulin spikes, making them safe for people with diabetes.
They don’t cause bad breath: Low-temperature sweeteners don’t ferment in the mouth, which can cause bad breath.
They stimulate saliva production: Chewing gum or consuming products containing low-temperature sweeteners can stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acid and wash away food particles from the mouth.

The different types of low-temperature sweeteners

Erythritol

Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some fruits and vegetables. It is about 70% as sweet as sugar, but it has fewer calories (0.24 calories per gram) and doesn’t contribute to tooth decay or affect insulin levels.

Erythritol is also beneficial to oral health because it stimulates saliva production.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is commonly used in sugar-free chewing gum, mints, and oral care products. It is as sweet as sugar, but it has fewer calories (2.4 calories per gram) and doesn’t contribute to tooth decay.

Xylitol is also beneficial to oral health because it stimulates saliva production and has been shown to reduce the risk of cavities.

Stevia

Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that is commonly used in beverages, desserts, and other foods. It is about 200 to 300 times as sweet as sugar, but it has no calories and doesn’t contribute to tooth decay.

Stevia is also beneficial to oral health because it has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.

Monk fruit extract

Monk fruit extract is a natural sweetener that comes from the monk fruit, a small, green fruit that grows in Southeast Asia. It is about 150 to 200 times as sweet as sugar but has no calories and doesn’t contribute to tooth decay.

Monk fruit extract is also beneficial to oral health because it has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause cavities.

Conclusion

Low-temperature sweeteners are a great alternative to sugar for people who want to maintain good oral hygiene.

Unlike sugar, they don’t feed the bacteria in the mouth that cause cavities, and they don’t raise blood sugar levels or cause insulin spikes, making them safe for people with diabetes. They also stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize acid and wash away food particles from the mouth.

When it comes to choosing a low-temperature sweetener, there are several options available – erythritol, xylitol, stevia, and monk fruit extract – each with its unique benefits.