Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables and is therefore considered natural. In the dental industry, xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies. As much as we love to see you at the office of Lehigh Valley Smiles, we’d like you to avoid sugar that leads to cavities. You can start by chewing sugar-free gum that possesses the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval.
Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth. Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. Benefits of replacing sugar with xylitol include: increased absorption of calcium in the digestive system, which is good for your teeth and increased production of saliva. Saliva contains calcium and phosphate, which get picked up by the teeth and aid in remineralization. In addition, xylitol reduces the acidity of saliva, which helps to fight acid-driven degradation of tooth enamel.
If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at Lehigh Valley Smiles, visit our website www.lehighvalleysmiles.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alan Dilsaver, DDS, FAGD in Easton, PA, call 610-252-7414.
No comments:
Post a Comment