How sugar-free things are ruining your smile….

Have you been laying off candies and sodas? If you have been, you have successfully averted a very fattening portion of your diet. You are on your way to dietary bliss as processed sugars such as those which are used in candies and sodas are weight inducing.

But before you get too glad that your weight is decreasing, just consider your dental health. According to Eric Reynolds, a health researcher at the University of Melbourne in Australia, says that our common concept that sugar free candy is good for our teeth is indeed a misconception. All the famous labels have been selling you their sugar free products assuring complete oral health which is a complete lie.

Reynolds with his fellow researchers at Melbourne University’s Oral Health Cooperative Research Center conducted an experiment. In the experiment, they tested a large variety of soft drinks, sport drinks, and confectionery products. They found that the sugar-less version of your favorite pop is a bomb on your dental health.

In an online briefing paper, the findings suggest that while they may pose a lesser risk of oral cavities, the risk is there after all. All the sugar-free products are potentially harmful for teeth. The risk factor is due to high levels of acids present in such products that start stripping away the surface layers of tooth enamel. In their advanced stages, this can expose the softer dentin or pulp of the tooth. Testing pH levels have safely indicated that the sugar free drinks such as soft drinks, fruit juices, cold drinks, sodas, wine etc. are acidic in nature. Some kinds of foods also contain chemicals called chelators. Chelators bind other chemicals to calcium causing an erosive action on the teeth. Testing several brands of soft drinks and sport drinks, it was proven that the rate of erosion was almost the same.

The dentists suggest fluoridated water consumption and milk to ensure teeth health. Other than that sugar free gum was also given the white flag. It generates saliva flow and washes away acidic contents from the teeth. Other than that the oral experts suggest that one should not hasten to brush teeth after consuming acidic food. This brushes away the enamel of the teeth. Instead, we should rinse our mouth with water and wait a good hour before brushing. Other than that, frequent trips to dentist are a fail safe way to avoid cavities and ensure a brilliant smile.