Sugar substitutes and Oral Health

Use of sugar substitutes in preventive dentistry is gaining importance. At the same time it faces some practical problems in satisfying several favorable properties of sugar (sucrose). Sorbitol and xylitol are the most commonly used sugar substitutes. Among all the sugar substitutes aspartame has remained the most controversial sugar substitute. Must say that the public need to have thorough education with regard to sugar substitutes and their health effects. The constant media hype must be taken skeptically and concerned individuals must make an effort to learn the true facts behind sugar substitutes. In general, sugar substitutes, when used in moderation are an acceptable substitute to natural sweeteners. They appear to be a healthy and pleasant way to enrich food sweetness, taste, and texture while keeping major health risks low.