Is Splenda Better for Your Teeth Than Sugar?

Question

I know sugar is suppose to be reduced with Invisalign and braces, and  heard Xylitol is better for your teeth than sugar. Is Splenda also better for your teeth than sugar, or is it just as harmful?

Hasan Othman, DDS, MS, PhD · Answer

Splenda the sweetner itself does not cause cavities, but it comes in different packaging some of what has carbohydrates that might cause tooth decay to a much less extent than sugar.   I'm going to quote what I found on splenda website, it explains it in more details.

	No. SPLENDA&reg; Brand Sweetener, or sucralose, the sweetening ingredient in SPLENDA&reg; Sweetener Products, does not promote tooth decay.

	Studies also show that the retail Packet and Granulated SPLENDA&reg; No Calorie Sweetener products have significantly less potential to cause cavities than sugar; although they contain a small amount of carbohydrate to provide texture and volume.

	SPLENDA&reg; No Calorie Sweetener Minis and SPLENDA&reg; MIST&trade; No Calorie Sweetener will not promote tooth decay. This is because they contain little or none of the carbohydrate ingredients found in Packet and Granulated SPLENDA&reg; No Calorie Sweetener Products. However, the foods or beverages that they are consumed with may contain carbohydrate.

Robert Fields, DDS · Answer

Sugar should be reduced when you are in braces because of the difficulty in keeping your teeth clean with the wires and brackets. Invisalign does not pose the same problem, since the clear aligners can be removed and the teeth cleaned.

	Splenda is made from an ingredient called sucralose. It is not natural surgar and does not contribute to tooth decay.  It is also used to control weight and medical conditions such as diabetes.

Clark L. Jones, DDS, MSD · Answer

Any time there is excess sugar that stays in the mouth there is risk of enamel damage.  Most of us don't need the extra calories either.  I would go with the Splenda to avoid tooth damage and excess calories.  Some would not like it because it is not as "natural" but we can do a lot of damage with too much of the "natural " sugars.

	Right or wrong, that is what I do myself.   I guess I have just seen too many white marks and holes in the teeth of my patients over the years.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

That does not mean it is not harmful or cannot harm teeth.  Similar to the problem with Diet Coke, that while  DC does not have sugar or calories, the pH of the solution is acidic and promotes decay.  Be careful of how Splenda is used.

	If you are brushing after each meal, it doesn't really matter what you consume.

Is Splenda Better for Your Teeth Than Sugar?

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