Concerned about your teeth? The longer a sugary product stays in your mouth, the more it may lead to tooth decay. Gum and candy are common culprits.

Look for products that contain the "high intensity sweeteners" in the form of xylitol, sorbitol and mannitol. These sugar alcohols are extracted from fruits and vegetables.

Here’s the sweet facts:

1. these sweeteners do not cause tooth decay. Xylitol helps to protect teeth against cavities; sorbitol and mannitol have less of an effect on tooth decay than sugar
2. they are not digested like sugar. Absorbed slowly from the intestine they effect blood sugar levels less dramatically than sugar and are a bonus for diabetics
3. they are not calorie-free. They contain half to the same amount of calories as sugar
4. they may produce a gaseous or laxative effect. This is why they are used in certain products only, such as chewing gum and mints. Avoid if they bother you.