ABSTRACT
The harmful effect of sucrose on dental health has been discussed repeatedly during the last 30 years. According to contemporary research, the former strong association between sucrose intake and dental caries has weakened considerably. This is believed to be due to the generalized and widespread use of uoride and uoride products. In addition to caries, there is increased concern about a relatively new oral health problem arising from increased consumption of sugary beverages, that
Key Points ...................................................................................................................................... 327 Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 327 Dietary Sugars and Their Role in the Development of Dental Caries ........................................... 328 Effect of Dietary Sugars on Caries-associated Bacteria ................................................................ 328 Caries-risk Periods and Sites of Human Teeth ............................................................................... 329 Sugar Intake and Caries ................................................................................................................. 329 Effect of Fluoride ........................................................................................................................... 330 Practical Implications ..................................................................................................................... 330 Dietary Acids and Dental Health ................................................................................................... 331 Sugar Substitutes and Dental Health with Special Reference to Xylitol ....................................... 334 Polyol Sweeteners, Mutans Streptococci, and Dental Health ........................................................ 335 Effects on Dental Biolm .............................................................................................................. 336 Polyols in Clinical Caries Trials .................................................................................................... 336 Caries Trials with Xylitol ............................................................................................................... 336 Xylitol in Prevention of MS Transmission .................................................................................... 337 Guidelines for Polyol Use for Caries Prevention ........................................................................... 337 Recommendations of Future Research .......................................................................................... 338 References ...................................................................................................................................... 338
is, dental erosion. Most soft drinks, fruit juices, lemonades, and energy drinks are not only high in dietary sugars, but in addition they also contain organic and other acids. Frequent daily use of acidic drinks and juices may cause rapid erosion of enamel resulting in visible esthetic and functional harm to the dentition.
