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Non-sugar sweeteners – too sweet to be true?

British Dental Journal volume 240, pages 107–111 (2026)Cite this article

Abstract

Non-sugar sweeteners (NSSs) are low-calorie artificial alternatives to sugar, widely used in food, drinks, medicines and hygiene products. Their popularity has surged over recent decades, particularly for weight management and diabetes control. This paper examines the most commonly used NSSs in the United Kingdom, evaluating their chemical compositions and regulatory standards. Key findings reveal that NSSs may provide dental health benefits by reducing the risk of caries; however, their effects on metabolic health remain a topic of debate. While NSSs offer clear advantages for individuals seeking to limit sugar intake, research also points to possible long-term health implications, thus this paper highlights the importance of informed usage to minimise possible adverse effects, emphasising the need for balanced patient guidance on their consumption.

Key points

  • Provides a review of the non-sugar sweeteners commonly used in the United Kingdom.

  • Reviews the possible benefits of non-sugar sweeteners (such as caries prevention).

  • Explores any negative effects of non-sugar sweeteners to better educate our patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Consultant Orthodontist, The Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, UK

    Sahar T. Aghababaie

  2. Consultant Orthodontist, The Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, London, UK; Consultant Orthodontist, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK

    Kate Parker

  3. Consultant Orthodontist, Croydon University Hospital, London, UK

    Matthew Chia

Authors
  1. Sahar T. Aghababaie
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  2. Kate Parker
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  3. Matthew Chia
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Contributions

MC conceived the idea for the review. STA conducted the literature search and drafted the manuscript. MC and KP critically reviewed the manuscript for intellectual content, and all corrections were reviewed and revised by STA. All authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sahar T. Aghababaie.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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Cite this article

Aghababaie, S., Parker, K. & Chia, M. Non-sugar sweeteners – too sweet to be true?. Br Dent J 240, 107–111 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-025-9252-8

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