Q: What about gum, toothpaste, and over the counter medications?

A: These questions may sound silly, but when you think about it, these products can contain a small amount of sugar or sugar substitute. See what our member have to suggest.

I think gum can cause insulin levels to rise
(Chris - maymaiden)

I know I can't chew gum 'cause if I do I get so very hungry and my stomach roars big time. You can always give it a try and see how it affects you. If you find yourself hungry afterwards I'd switch to a mouthwash or breath spray instead (although I remember a discussion we had here on this board once about some people getting hungry even after the mouthwash!).

My toothpaste lists sodium saccharin as one of the active ingredients
(Raquel - raque2000)

But I wouldn't be too worried about toothpaste, it's such a small amount and we don't swallow it. Now medicines like cough syrup do tend to have a much bigger amount of sugar, I'm sure there are some without sugar, just don't know if you can buy them over the counter.

My sister in Brazil uses a toothpaste that has NO sugar or sweetener whatsoever, it's supposed to have only natural ingredients and be very good for you but the taste is horrible! She likes it, I can't stand it LOL.

Well, I have to comment on this...
(Ruth - gatormom17)

since I am a Dental Hygienist. Toothpastes in general can be cosmetic or therapeutic, which means that they can assist in cleaning and polishing the teeth, and other ingredients contain things that reduce dental disease. Ingredients included can include water, abrasive agents, polishing agents, preservatives, foaming agents colorings and flavorings. Of course its the flavorings that are of concern here. My personal feeling is that there is such a miniscule anount of these, and since they should not be swallowed, should not be a problem.

In the same way though, mouthrinses also contain flavorings, so that's another point to consider. Hopefully no one is drinking them LOL.