In a new study, researchers found that drinking flavored mineral water and sugar substitutes could harm people’s tooth health.
These drinks increase the erosion of tooth enamel.
The research was conducted by a team from the Medical University of Warsaw in Poland.
An increase in the consumption of soft drinks has been seen in recent years. Many people drink flavored mineral waters as an alternative to sugary waters.
However, it was unknown if the switch to sugar substitutes could help reduce the dental problem.
In the study, the team examined the pH, titratable acidity and the concentration of phosphorus in the various flavored mineral waters on the market.
They also checked xylitol, erythritol, stevia, and glucose-fructose to see what effect such sweeteners have on the erosion of tooth enamel.
The team found that both flavored mineral water and sweeteners tested cause exogenous erosion of enamel.
In fact, the harmful effects of tested sugar substitutes on the teeth were similar to the glucose-fructose syrup.
This means replacing glucose-fructose syrup with another sweetener has no beneficial effect on tooth health.
Any type of sweetener can enhance exogenous erosion because of the drink’s low pH.
The lead author of the study is Anna Lewandowska.
The study is published in the International Journal of Environment and Health.
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