How do you eat your.....?

[Kevin Farnell]

One thing still a mystery, why is there sweetener in toothpaste? Is it something that doesn't cause cavities....

I think Jenny may be referring to me as 'our resident Chemist'. As for why there is sweetener in toothpaste, my only thoughts are either that it is much sweeter per gram than sugar (Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than Sucrose - think how big the tube would be to get the same taste)) or it's cheaper.
On a side note, Sigma-Aldrich Chemicals (catalogue of thousands of chemicals, but also there hazards and C.O.S.H.H. classifications) lists several artificial sweeteners as 'cancer suspect agent', so I try to avoid these. I'm not so concerned about them in toothpaste, as you should spit it out and rinse your mouth.

Kevin

 

[JENNYJET]

Indeed, Kevin bites, and with an excellent reposte. Listen and note this chap. His words carry weight.

 

[Poshgirl]

Thanks Kevin

A very plausible explanation. However, I read that the newer "compound" toothpastes you shouldn't spit out. The ones that do multiple tasks including sensitivity.

Being contentious here, I suspect my dentist's response could be different to another. Must remember to ask, as like a lot of people I'm always in a hurry to escape!