Something to chew on: Sugar-free gum could DAMAGE your teeth

Sugar-free gum doesn't instantly mean 'tooth friendly' researchers say

Dental practitioners who suggest that patients chew sugar-free gum after foods might need to re-think their advice, after researchers found the habit of smoking could really erode teeth.

Research review within the British Dental Journal found there's a 'hidden risk' in sugar-free items which are marketed as 'tooth friendly'.

A group, in the colleges of Boston, Helsinki and Souther Nevada, examined the function of low calorie sweeteners utilized in items to tackle cavities.

They found there is an 'unrecognised chance of acidic flavouring in sugar-free candies and drinks.'

They stated several substitutes of sugar alcohols or polyols including xylitol and sorbitol can prevent tooth decay.

However, additionally they increase mouth acidity which erodes dental enamel - the tooth's hard protective coating. This is also true when they contain fruit flavourings.

Investigator Dr Sok-Ja from Boston College, stated: 'The term sugar-free may generate false security because lots of people may instantly think that sugar-free items are secure around the teeth.'

They added that sugar-free drinks and food were unlikely to advertise weight reduction with lots of that contains almost half from the calories of full-body fat items.

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Writing within the review, Are sugar-free confections really advantageous for oral health?, they stated: 'As using sorbitol and xylitol that contains items increases, the general public ought to be educated around the hidden chance of dental erosion because of acidic chemicals, along with the negative effects of gastric disturbance and osmotic diarrhea.

'Especially in sugar-free items, these negative effects might be more insidious since the public has blind confidence that they're dental health friendly.'

They came to the conclusion that further clinical tests were needed in the region.

Inside a commentary around the findings, Stephen Hancocks, editor in chief from the BDJ, stated there is a 'minefield of confusion for that patient who's trying their best to conform with healthy options along with a complex labyrinth of communication for that professional in trying to share practical advice.'

A representative for that gum company Wrigley, stated: 'Scientific studies, such as the report within the British Dental Journal, are obvious that eating sugar-free gum provides many dental health insurance and dental benefits by stimulating producing saliva.

'Unless individuals are eating an excessively great deal of sugar-free gum every single day, they should not be worried about the problems elevated within the report, like the possibility of a laxative effect or even the calorific content.'

Leaving comments around the findings, the British Dental Association’s Scientific Agent, Professor Damien Walmsley, told Mail Online: 'This research reminds us of the significance of working out caution when consuming acidic fruit-flavoured meals, even when they're sugar-free, as unneccessary use of those outdoors meal occasions could raise the chance of developing tooth erosion.

'Chewing sugar-free gum after foods can prevent dental decay, but when you should also avoid dental erosion it's important to not select the fruit-flavoured types.

'It can also be vital that you brush the teeth two times each day using fluoride tooth paste, waiting an hour or so to do this after foods, and to talk to your dental professional regularly.'