As Halloween and the rest of this year’s holidays get closer, the temptation to indulge in a variety of treats will grow. But sugar, as you know, can negatively affect your oral health.
In today’s post, we want to explain how sugar can cause cavities and let you know about an alternative to sugar that will let you enjoy all of your favorite holiday goodies.
How Sugar Damages Your Smile?
For as long as you’ve been going to the dentist, you’ve been told that sugar is bad for your teeth. But why is that? It’s because of how sugar interacts with your teeth.
When certain bacteria in the mouth come into contact with sugar, a feeding frenzy ensues, leading to the creation of acid. This acid makes it easier for bacteria to cling to teeth and it also weakens tooth enamel, creating cavities.
Xylitol—A Natural Substitute to Sugar
Thankfully, you don’t have to give up on your favorite treats this holiday season. With xylitol, a natural sweetener, you can still enjoy your favorite goodies. That’s because xylitol doesn’t interact with your teeth the way sugar does.
Instead of sparking the production of acid, xylitol creates a neutral environment, in which bacteria have a hard time sticking to teeth. With fewer bacteria in your mouth, you have a decreased chance of developing cavities.
Candy sweetened with xylitol can be found online and in natural food stores. Xylitol can also be used for baking, with a substitution ratio of 1:1.
Do you want to learn more about xylitol and how it can benefit your smile? Call Westside Dental Associates today for an appointment. Dr. Les Latner serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA and Mar Vista.