Sugar substitutes have a range of health benefits which include prevention of dental caries through remineralisation of enamel. These sugar substitutes have proved to be an alternative in routine diet for sugar. Sugar substitutes may be non-caloric or caloric and may be used as bulk sweeteners or as additives in food. Since oral health is dependent upon the type, frequency and clearance of the sugar consumed in the diet, a balanced approach to improvement of systemic and oral health is recommended. Sugar substitutes offer an attractive alternative to sugar if used judiciously. The aim of this paper is to elaborate the various sugar substitutes and their characteristics in dentistry.

sugar substitutes, sucrose, remineralisation.