Sugar-free chewing gums may be 'no better for your teeth'

London, Oct 11 (ANI): Chewing sugar-free gum could be just as bad for your teeth as the regular kind, experts say.

According to research, some sugar-free gums can contain acidic additives - usually fruit flavourings - which can attack enamel and pose a high risk of damaging teeth, reports the Daily Express.

"The term sugar-free may generate false security because people automatically believe such products are safe on teeth. The public must be educated about this hidden risk," said study leader Dr Sok-Ja Janket, of Boston University.

However, studies also show that chewing sugar-free gum after meals and snacks can reduce the risk of dental decay by about 40 per cent, especially about 20 minutes after eating, when plaque acid attacks usually happen.

The study has been published in the British Dental Journal. (ANI)