Artificial sweeteners are low-calorie or calorie-free alternatives to sugar.

They are used to sweeten foods and drinks without adding sugar.

You’ll find them in many everyday products, including:

• Soft drinks and flavoured waters.
• Desserts and ready meals.
• Cakes and sweets.
• Sugar-free chewing gum.
• Toothpaste and mouthwash.

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Why do artificial sweeteners matter for oral health?

Sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque, which produce acids that cause tooth decay.

Artificial sweeteners:

• Do not feed plaque bacteria.
• Do not cause acid attacks on teeth.
• Are much safer for teeth than sugar.

This makes them a useful option for protecting oral health.

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What types of sweeteners are commonly used?

There are many approved sweeteners used around the world, including:

• Acesulfame K
• Aspartame
• Saccharin
• Sorbitol
• Sucralose
• Stevia
• Xylitol

Some products contain a mix of sweeteners.

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Are artificial sweeteners safe?

Yes. Artificial sweeteners used in food and drink are carefully regulated.

Before approval, they should be:

• Assessed by independent food safety authorities.
• Tested for safety when consumed within recommended limits.

Large studies have found no clear evidence that approved sweeteners cause cancer when used as intended.

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Are artificial sweeteners better for teeth than sugar?

Yes. From an oral health point of view, sweeteners are a better choice than sugar.

Benefits include:

• No increase in tooth decay risk.
• Less acid damage to enamel.
• Helpful for people trying to reduce sugar intake.

Some sweeteners, such as xylitol, may even help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth when used regularly in sugar-free gum.

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Are all sweeteners the same?

Not quite. Most artificial sweeteners:

• Are tooth-friendly.
• Do not raise blood sugar levels.

However:

• Some sweeteners, such as sorbitol, can cause stomach upset if consumed in large amounts.
• Products labelled “sugar-free” can still be acidic, which may affect teeth if used often.

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Are artificial sweeteners useful for people with diabetes?

Yes. They do not raise blood sugar levels and allow people to have sweet foods and drinks without added sugar.

They are often used as part of a balanced diet for people managing diabetes.

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Do sweeteners replace good oral care?

No. Sweeteners can help reduce risk, but they are not a substitute for brushing and cleaning.

To protect your teeth:

• Brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily.
• Limit how often you have acidic drinks.
• Visit your dental team as recommended.

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Key points to remember

• Artificial sweeteners are much safer for teeth than sugar.
• They do not cause tooth decay.
• They are safe when used within recommended limits.
• Acidic drinks, even if sugar-free, can still harm enamel if consumed often.

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Need advice?

If you’re unsure whether a product is tooth-friendly, speak to your dental team.

They can help you make choices that support both your oral health and general health.