Any foods that contain sugars or starches, such as fruits and breakfast cereals, can contribute to tooth decay. Foods that stick to your teeth such as caramels, raisins, granola bars, or foods that are slowly munched or sipped on are the worst. The longer your teeth are in contact with the sugar in these foods, the greater the risk of tooth decay. All sugars such as white and brown sugar, maple syrup and honey, contribute energy but contain few nutrients. Some forms of sugar may also replace some of the fat we eat.
Sugar can be part of healthy eating.
The key is moderation. Xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol are sugar alcohols taken from fruits and vegetables. Their sweetness and the number of Calories they contain range from half to just the same as sugar. But since these sugar alcohols have a laxative effect, they should not be used in large quantities. This is why they can only be used in certain types of products, such as chewing gum and mints.