Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Some of the preservatives in the foods and beverages we consume may indeed help improve our oral health. Preservatives such as benzoates and sorbates appear to mimic or enhance the cavity protection of fluoride.
Food preservatives inhibit cavity-causing bacteria.
Even though these bacteria produce and excrete acid, which can erode teeth and lead to tooth decay, the bacteria are sensitive to acid inside their cells. Fluoride and food preservatives put weak acids into the the bacterial cells. The bacteria expend energy to push the acid back outside their cells. As this cycle continues, the bacteria become exhausted and are unable to produce the acid that causes tooth decay. Benzoates are used to keep food safe from bacteria and other toxins.