Sucrose substitutes and their role in caries prevention

Abstract

Many non-or low-cariogenic sucrose substitutes are currently available and are found as ingredients of a variety of candy, chewing gum, and drinks. Recently the role of sugar alcohols in promoting remineralisation of enamel has attracted much attention. Thus, the dental profession needs to understand the general characteristics and features of sugar substitutes to provide advice on oral health to patients as well as the general public. There are two critical requirements for sucrose substitutes, namely, being nutritionally appropriate and not being detrimental to the overall general health of the individual. The use of a greater variety of confectionary containing sucrose substitutes and the development of new substitutes with high nutritional value are essential in the battle against caries. In this paper we review in detail the characteristics of sucrose substitutes currently in use, their role in caries prevention and promotion of oral health.

Di̇ş Çürükleri̇ni̇ Önlemede Kullanilan Alternati̇f Materyaller

“…Şeker Alkolleri Son 50 yılda, birçok klinik ve laboratuar çalışma-sında, şeker alınımının diş çürüklerinin başlaması ve ilerlemesinde büyük rol oynadığı açık bir şekilde gösterilmiştir. Şeker alkolleri, birçok yönden potansiyel çürük önleyici etki gösterdikleri bilinmektedir 48 . Ağız sağlığına olan olumlu etkilerinden dolayı, en sık araştırılan şeker alkolü ksilitoldür.…”

Stevia, kaa hee, wild sweet herb from South America - An overview

“…Research clearly shows that Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris and other microbes do not thrive in the presence of the non-nutritive Stevia constituents. Also, it has shown to lower the incidence of dental caries, this fact, combined with the naturally sweet flavor of the herb, makes it a suitable ingredient for mouthwashes and for toothpastes (Pinheiro et al, 1987;Tomita et al, 1997;Agricultural information 2004;Matsukubo and Takazoe, 2006). Abou-Arab and Abu-Salem (2010) reported the importance of Stevia leaves and callus extracts for pharmaceutical uses and food preservation due to their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.…”

Anticariogenic properties and effects on periodontal structures of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. Narrative review.

“…Most of them are neither calorie-free, nor beneficial dietary components for those who suffer from alteration in the metabolism for carbohydrates and other conditions 18 . Besides, sugar alcohols generally trigger side effects such as abdominal discomfort, flatulence, softened stools and diarrhea when they are consumed in excess 2 .…”

“…The first group is composed by sucrose, several oligosaccharides (palatinosa, fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides, lacto-oligosaccharides and xylo-oligosaccharides), starch sugars (glucose, starch syrup, fructose, sugar, maltose, invert sugar, and fructose) and sugar alcohols (erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, Palatinit™, and reducing starch syrup) 2 . Most of them are neither calorie-free, nor beneficial dietary components for those who suffer from alteration in the metabolism for carbohydrates and other conditions 18 .…”

“…Stevia rebaurdiana bertoni is a natural sweetener that has shown, in several publications 2,14,18,[21][22][23][24][25] , respond to these needs and also submit beneficial properties for general and oral health.…”