It’s no secret that kids absolutely love sugar in all its forms. Candy, soda, ice cream, cookies, cakes—you name it, children are into it. While sugary treats are a hit with kids, as a parent you know they can also cause cavities. Enter sugar substitutes – a potential solution to satisfy sweet cravings while minimizing the risk to dental health. But are they really better for baby teeth?
Read on to learn more about these sugar substitutes and how they can affect your child’s oral health.
What Are Sugar Substitutes?
Sugar substitutes are compounds used to sweeten foods and drinks without the calories and potentially harmful effects of traditional sugar. They are also known as artificial sweeteners or sugar alternatives and come in various forms like aspartame, sucralose, and stevia.
Are They Really Better for Teeth?
One of the defining characteristics of sugar is that oral bacteria love to use it as food. These bacteria break down the sugar and convert it into acid that attacks tooth enamel and causes cavities. However, unlike traditional sugar, sugar substitutes don’t provide this food source! This means using sugar substitutes in place of sugar could reduce the risk of tooth decay in children.
Should I Use Sugar Substitutes in Everything?
While it’s true that these alternate sugar options provide some benefits for teeth, you still shouldn’t go overboard. For example, when diet sodas are created, the manufacturer just swaps some chemicals for others. The end result isn’t any healthier for your child’s teeth or body than the sugar-based version.
All in all, sugar substitutes can be a valuable tool to decrease cavities for children when used in moderation. By using them in conjunction with excellent oral care, they could provide a good way to satisfy a sweet tooth! If you still have questions, talk to their dentist. Together you can help your child maintain a healthy smile while allowing them to indulge in the sweetness life has to offer.
About the Practice
Is your child’s craving for sweets costing their teeth? At Cherokee Children’s Dentistry, our passionate team of pediatric dental experts can help them restore their pearly whites. They use state-of-the-art dental technology in a warm, welcoming environment to keep your child smiling after every visit. They try to make taking care of their teeth both fun and educational. Call (770) 479-1717 to schedule an appointment for your child or visit the website to delve into other services.