Whenever the word ‘free’ is added to anything (or when it’s by itself) people tend to be happy. Being able to get something without having to pay, or eat something without feeling any type of guilt because it is supposedly fat free is great. The only problem is that experience will teach you that nothing is ever really free; just because you didn’t pay for something with money doesn’t mean that you won’t have to down the road with something else such as time. A great example is a free food sample stand that you would typically see inside of a grocery store. The food they offer you is definitely free, however you are already in the store with the probable intent to spend money on other items, and if the free sample tastes good you may feel swayed to purchase that as well.
When it comes to items that are touted as sugar-free such as certain foods and beverages, the harm they are doing to your teeth may actually be just as bad, if not worse than sugar filled items. “Acids in sugar-free drinks and lollies are eating our teeth so aggressively they are just as bad for dental health as sugared alternatives, new research shows. Scientists at the University of Melbourne tested 23 different types of drinks and found those high in acids like citric and phosphoric acids caused ‘measurable damage to dental enamel’, even if they were sugar-free. ‘Many people are not aware that while reducing your sugar intake does reduce your risk of dental decay, the chemical mix of acids in some foods and drinks can cause the equally damaging condition of dental erosion,’ said Eric Reynolds, CEO of the university’s Oral Health Co-operative Research Centre.”
Items that contain sugar as well as those referred to as sugar-free but use a sugar alternative can be detrimental to the health of your teeth and overall health if consumed in large quantities. As with most things, moderation is the key here as well as regular brushing, flossing, rinsing and visiting your local Ottawa dental professional.
