Fighting Cavities and Gum Disease with Stevia

Fermentation of sugar sweeteners makes plaque on teeth more acidic, which increases the risk of developing cavities. This acidic environment also promotes bacterial growth and contributes to cavities and gingivitis.^(32, 78)

Research—including small clinical trials—suggests that using stevia as a sweetener or a mouth rinse may help. Stevia does not ferment and change the pH level on teeth. In one 6-month, randomized clinical study, stevia mouth rinse actually performed better than a fluoride rinse on both cavities and gingival scores.^{(32, 78, 79)}

Stevia also has antimicrobial properties. Lab studies show that stevia extract suppresses the formation of bacterial film associated with cavities.⁽³²⁾