We recently had the opportunity of attending the Dental Town Townie convention in Las Vegas, NV. It is a chance for dental teams from around the world to meet together and learn about new technology and research being done in dentistry. We are excited about the many things we learned and feel these opportunities for education directly affect the level of care we are able to offer to all of our wonderful patients.
One of the things we wanted to pass on to you, our patients, is the exciting research findings on the positive health benefits of the sweetener Xylitol in the body and more specifically the mouth.
Xylitol is a completely natural sweetener found most commonly in the bark of the birch tree.
So what does a sweetener have to do with health?
What It Does……
Xylitol Prevents Cavities: Xylitol’s unique molecular structure works against bacteria. In fact, studies show that 6 grams a day of xylitol reduce acid-producing bacteria. By reducing the bacteria, you reduce cavities!
Xylitol Is a Diabetic Friendly Sweetener: Our friends with Diabetes have repeatedly thanked us for finding them a wonderful replacement to sugar. In fact, xylitol is only an 11 on the glycemic index, and since xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than sugar, you’ll be smiling each time you step on the scale as well. 😉
Xylitol Soothes & Quenches Dry Mouth: Xylitol not only naturally stimulates saliva flow, but also fights the cause of the acid production, as Dr Brickey always says, “It’s all about the pH!” Xylitol filled gums and mints are ideal ways to produce additional saliva.
Xylitol Can Help Prevent Kids’ Ear Infections: Xylitol has been approved for use by people of all ages. Studies suggest that children especially, can benefit from using xylitol. In fact, in most of the xylitol research studies, children have been the key participants. Interestingly, studies have also shown that xylitol can strongly impact the bacteria that causes many inner ear infections.
Xylitol can be found in some mouthrinses, mints, gums, candies and as a powdered sugar substitute. It is generally found in the Natural foods section of stores, online or in our office. The most widely available brand names for Xylitol products are: Epic, Xlear, Spry, Carifree and Biotene. It is important to make sure when purchasing a product with Xylitol that it is the ONLY sweetener in the product. Many products claim to contain Xylitol but also have several other sweeteners added which will take away from the benefits Xylitol has to offer.
So how do you use Xylitol to fight cavities?
Picture six grams per day of “direct topical exposure” That’s fancy medical-type talk for having Xylitol on your teeth for at least five minutes at least three times per day. It’s as easy as replacing your toothpaste or mouth rinse with a Xylitol containing product and chewing a couple pieces of gum or mints in addition daily. Easy!!!
Feel free to ask one of our Salt Lake City dental team members at Natural Smiles Dentistry how to implement Xylitol into your daily routine during your next hygiene visit in our office. It’s all about the love.
Our membership plan makes Dentistry affordable.
Please call us at (801) 889-2818 or fill out the form below to request an appointment.