UW Study Shows Natural Sweetener Xylitol Can Prevent Tooth Decay
As a natural sweetener, xylitol has been used in chewing gum and mints for years upon years. Recent studies from the University of Washington have shown more positive benefits to the sugar compound than previously imagined. Many people have believed in the propoganda of fluoride for years in cavity prevention, even though studies have also shown it to weaken enamel. This new study shows that the use of pure xylitol can be just as, if not more effective in the prevention of dental caries.
Especially in low income, low educational areas xylitol may very well be a cheaper alternative to preventing tooth decay, which plagues these areas more so than others. Dr. Peter Milgrom has conducted a small test using xylitol syrup with babies which has shown a significant reduction in the number of babies developing cavities. A concentrated dose, multiple times daily is the key to success with this, and it may very well become a part of standard dental care and preventative dentistry.
I don't know anything about xylitol. Is it a sugar? Why would sugar be good for you?
Xylitol has a different structure than "regular" sugar, and so it has different effects. look it up, it's very interesting! It is also better for blood sugar issues.
This was informative. Xylitol is a dentist's dream. It reverses all these destructive effects of sugar on oral health. Xylitol is non-fermentable and therefore cannot be converted to acids by oral bacteria, thus it helps to restore a proper alkaline/acid balance in the mouth. This alkaline environment is inhospitable to all the destructive bacteria, especially the worst variety, Streptococcus mutans. It also inhibits plaque formation. Using xylitol right before bedtime, after brushing and flossing, protects and heals the teeth and gums. Unlike sugar, it can even be left on the teeth overnight. With proper use, xylitol actually stops the fermentation process leading to tooth decay.
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