CHAPTER 9: Steviol Glycosides in Dentistry Check Access

Fermentable carbohydrates are implicated in the etiology of oral biofilm-associated diseases such as gingival inflammation and dental decay. Therefore, sweeteners were introduced into preventive dental care to replace sucrose. The preventive potential of sugar substitutes is widely recognised. Steviol glycosides as natural sweeteners are said to have non-cariogenic effects and a potential to affect structure, growth and pH-decline of complex oral biofilm communities. However, a literature review regarding dental aspects of stevia implicate that the evidence is limited to date. But recent studies indicate suppressive effects in oral biofilm models even in the presence of carbohydrate sources. Stevia rebaudiana extracts in food and beverage formulations as a sugar substitute may have considerable benefits in preventive dental care.