Think sugar-free gum is harmless? Not when it comes to your teeth! Sure, too much sugar can wreak havoc on your teeth, but new evidence suggests sugar-free gum isn’t much, if any, safer.
According to research published in the British Dental Journal, little evidence exits to show that sugar-free sweeteners, like xylitol and sorbitol, are better than sugar when it comes to your teeth, and could cause more damage if ingested with acidic additives like preservatives or flavorings.
Researchers say gum sweetened with xylitol is actually safer than sorbitol-sweetened sugar-free gum, but should still be chewed in moderation. Sorbitol readily ferments into tooth-eating acid, which will rot your teeth and fill your mouth with cavities if you’re constantly popping a new piece in your mouth! Always read the label before you buy, and opt for xylitol over sorbitol when you can. But remember, sometimes the real deal is the better way to go, so a little sugar here and there may be better for you than all the artificial stuff.
And if you’re chewing a pack or two of gum a day, it’s time to start cutting back!
