Do artificial sweeteners cause tooth decay, or at least close to the same amount that sugar does?

Question:

I understand that artifical sweeteners are at least 200 times sweeter than sugar, so much less has to be used, so does this mean that less tooth decay occurs when drinking an aspartame (or anything else like it)-sweetened drink rather than a sugar-sweetend one?

Thanks!

Answers:
Artificial sweeteners do not provide the substrate that bacteria need to cause tooth decay. They are a help in that respect.

No, they are not made of the sucrose which is what bacteria feed on and cause decay in your mouth. However, carbonated drinks, as well as artificially colored drinks (which a lot of "diet" drinks are) can cause tooth weakening and staining! Also, "diet" drinks up your cravings for other sweets (real sweets with real sugar) and can cause you to really consume MORE calories and perhaps do damage to your teeth that way! My theory is stick to regular sodas/beverages in moderation.

Do artificial sweeteners cause tooth decay, or at least close to the same amount that sugar does?

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