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Presentation

Oral Systemic Health

(6113) Sweet Choices, Serious Consequences: Navigating Added Sugars, Low- and No- Calorie Sweeteners in Oral & Overall Healthcare

Friday, October 9, 2026
3:30pm - 5:00pm ET
CE: 1.5
Disclosure(s):
Teresa Marshall, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose
Tauseef Ahmad Khan, MBBS, MSc, PhD: No relevant disclosure to display
This session gathers leading experts to examine evolving evidence on added sugars and low- or no-calorie sweeteners and their implications for oral health. The discussion will highlight the strong association between added sugar intake and dental caries or periodontal disease, emphasizing the role of dietary patterns in disease prevention. Experts will also review the non-cariogenic properties of LNCS and their interactions with the oral microbiome, offering insight into their potential role in caries management. Finally, the session will address the safety of LNCS, reviewing current evidence and contrasting positions from major regulatory and public health organizations to help clinicians interpret conflicting guidance. Attendees will leave with practical, evidence-based strategies to counsel patients on reducing added sugar intake while appropriately incorporating LNCS into comprehensive oral health care.

Learning Objectives:

  • Evaluate the evidence linking added sugar intake with oral diseases, including dental caries and periodontal conditions, and explain how dietary patterns influence prevention
  • Compare the properties and oral health effects of low- and no-calorie sweeteners, including their non-cariogenic potential and interactions with the oral microbiome in caries
  • Apply current evidence and clinical guidance to patient counseling, including interpreting differing safety positions on LNCS and developing practical strategies to reduce add