Sucralose is an artificial sweetener derived from sucrose, commonly known as table sugar. It is created by replacing three hydrogen-oxygen groups on the sucrose molecule with chlorine atoms, which changes its chemical structure significantly. This modification makes sucralose hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, yet it is largely not absorbed by the body and contains no calories. As a result, it has become a popular ingredient in various low-calorie and sugar-free food and beverage products, leading many to question its effects on dental health.
Sucralose’s Impact on Dental Health
Sucralose is considered non-cariogenic, meaning it does not promote tooth decay. Unlike sugar, oral bacteria cannot metabolize sucralose into harmful acids. These bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans, typically feed on sugars like sucrose, glucose, and fructose, producing organic acids that lower the pH in the mouth and erode tooth enamel, which leads to cavities.
Since sucralose is not a food source for these bacteria, it does not contribute to acid production. Studies demonstrate that sucralose is non-cariogenic, meaning it does not make the oral environment acidic like sugar does.
The pH in the mouth remains neutral when sucralose is consumed, preventing demineralization of tooth enamel. This helps maintain the strength of tooth surfaces. Sucralose is classified as a “tooth-friendly” sweetener because it does not contribute to cavities.
While sucralose itself does not cause cavities, it is important to note that some products containing sucralose may still contain other fermentable carbohydrates or be acidic. For example, diet sodas, even if sweetened with sucralose, can be highly acidic due to other ingredients, which can erode tooth enamel over time.
Sucralose Compared to Other Sweeteners
Compared to traditional sugar, sucralose is superior for dental health. Sugar provides a direct food source for oral bacteria, which produce acids that cause tooth decay and gum disease. In contrast, sucralose does not provide this metabolic fuel, so it does not contribute to acid production.
Other artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin also share sucralose’s non-cariogenic property. They are not metabolized by oral bacteria into harmful acids. These zero-calorie sweeteners are considered safe for teeth, offering a better alternative to sugar for reducing cavity risk.
Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and erythritol, offer additional dental benefits beyond simply not causing harm. Xylitol, for instance, not only does not contribute to tooth decay but also actively interferes with the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary bacterium responsible for cavities. Oral bacteria may absorb xylitol, mistaking it for sugar, but cannot metabolize it, which can lead to their demise.
Xylitol also stimulates saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and aids in the repair of early tooth enamel damage. While sucralose is a safer alternative to sugar because it does not harm teeth, it does not offer the active cavity-fighting properties seen with some sugar alcohols like xylitol.