Sugar substitutes and dental health

ABSTRACT

Sugar is one of the most widely consumed sweetening agents. Unfortunately, its use has been linked to various disease states, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM) and dental caries. Dental caries is a chronic disease which can affect us at any age. The role of sugar (and other fermentable carbohydrates such as highly refined flour) as a risk factor in the initiation and progression of dental caries is increasing day by day. Sugar substitutes are food additives that provide a sweet taste more or less similar to that of sugar and plays important role in control of dental caries.