Why are sugar substitutes used in dental care products?

Using sugar substitutes in dental care products is primarily beneficial because they do not contribute to dental caries. Unlike regular sugars, which can be metabolized by oral bacteria to produce acids that lead to tooth decay, sugar substitutes are often resistant to such metabolic processes. This means they do not serve as a food source for these bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of cavity formation.

The incorporation of sugar substitutes helps maintain oral health by preventing the harmful effects associated with traditional sugars. Many dental care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, aim to promote dental hygiene by minimizing the potential for decay, thus making sugar substitutes a strategic choice in their formulation.

While taste, cost, and calorie content may be relevant factors in other contexts, their role in dental care products primarily hinges on their capacity to safeguard against caries.