Aspartame and its Impact on Dental Health

USA: Amidst recent warnings by the World Health Organization about aspartame, both the FDA and industry experts assert that the artificial sweetener does not pose a cancer risk. However, concerns have been raised regarding its impact on dental health, given its prevalent use in many chewing gums and candies.

Chewing sugar-free gum can be beneficial for teeth due to increased saliva production, which helps dilute and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in dental plaque, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). 

“Chewing sugar-free gum may, when added to a regular home oral care routine of twice-daily brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and daily cleaning between teeth, contribute to reducing caries (cavities) risk,” the ADA states.

Evaluating the Risks of Sugar-Free Gum

Dental experts have acknowledged that aspartame itself does not lead to dental decay like regular sugar does. Regular sugar is fermentable and serves as a food source for cavity-causing bacteria. In contrast, aspartame and other artificial sugars are non-fermentable, making them unsuitable as a food source for cavity-causing bacteria.

However, some dental professionals warn that sugar-free gum may still have potential side effects due to other ingredients present in the gum. Sugar-free gum often contains acids such as carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, and fumaric acid, similar to those found in various diet sodas. These acids lower the pH in the mouth, leading to enamel demineralization and tooth erosion. Tooth enamel plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay, and its weakening can make the underlying dentin more susceptible to cavities.

Considering Healthier Alternatives

While sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production and help reduce mouth acidity after meals, dental health experts recommend exploring healthier options that don’t contain aspartame. One such alternative is xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener found in plants. Unlike regular sugar and aspartame, cavity-causing bacteria cannot metabolize xylitol, rendering it ineffective as a fuel source for these bacteria. Thus, xylitol starves the cavity-causing bacteria and aids in preventing tooth decay. Additionally, xylitol helps decrease cavity-causing bacteria, increases saliva production, and supports tooth remineralization.

Xylitol’s Potential Benefits

A study published in Clinical Oral Investigations in 2021 further supports the use of xylitol in dental care. Chewing gum containing xylitol was found to reduce plaque build-up on teeth, making it an excellent sweetener to combat cavities and the bacteria responsible for them. 

Xylitol is not only found in sugar-free gum but also in many toothpastes, mints, and oral rinses specifically designed to reduce cavities and promote oral health.

As research in this field continues, dental professionals advocate for a balanced approach to sugar-free gum consumption and recommend consulting with dentists for personalized oral care recommendations.