The Impact of Xylitol-Containing Products on Tooth Health
Xylitol, a sugar, can help prevent cavities if taken at the right dose. Cavities, or decayed holes in teeth, are prevalent across many populations from older adults to children. While there are treatments such as fillings or sealants, they can be costly. Moreover, these solutions are not preventative. According to a recent study, ingesting a sugar called xylitol through a variety of means, such as toothpaste or chewing gum, can reduce the chance of getting cavities by 30 to 80%.
Xylitol prevents cavities by acting at the source. Cavities are often formed by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria will eat the food left on teeth and produce lactic acid, which causes holes. Specifically, lactic acid weakens enamel, creating holes. Unfortunately, if cavities are left untreated, damage to the enamel will have to be filled by a dentist. However, S. mutans cannot digest and process xylitol. Once the bacteria consumes xylitol left on teeth, it kills them.
Xylitol is available in a multitude of products such as toothpaste, chewing gum, and hard candies. A recent study evaluated the effects of these xylitol products and the dose of xylitol present in each type. Specifically, researchers hoped to find the most effective and efficient method and xylitol dosage for cavity prevention. It was found that the chewing gum and toothpaste forms of xylitol, taken after each meal, were ideal. Moreover, different doses were tested, and the most effective dosage was six grams of xylitol per day.
Xylitol prevents cavities by acting at the source. Cavities are often formed by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria will eat the food left on teeth and produce lactic acid, which causes holes. Specifically, lactic acid weakens enamel, creating holes. Unfortunately, if cavities are left untreated, damage to the enamel will have to be filled by a dentist. However, S. mutans cannot digest and process xylitol. Once the bacteria consumes xylitol left on teeth, it kills them.
Xylitol is available in a multitude of products such as toothpaste, chewing gum, and hard candies. A recent study evaluated the effects of these xylitol products and the dose of xylitol present in each type. Specifically, researchers hoped to find the most effective and efficient method and xylitol dosage for cavity prevention. It was found that the chewing gum and toothpaste forms of xylitol, taken after each meal, were ideal. Moreover, different doses were tested, and the most effective dosage was six grams of xylitol per day.
Current cavity treatments are invasive and can be very costly.
Image Source: Hush Naidoo Jade Photography
Xylitol is FDA-approved and studies have shown it is safe for children over five years old to take it. Moreover, the same research indicated that this sugar could reverse the initial symptoms of cavities such as weakened enamel, tooth sensitivity, and tooth pain. Interestingly, results showed that mothers who used xylitol three months after giving birth significantly reduced the transfer of S. mutans to their children.
There are also disadvantages to xylitol use. First, the study mentioned potential side effects such as diarrhea and stomach disturbance. However, these effects mostly occurred in those who took four to five times the recommended dose of six grams of xylitol per day. Second, xylitol-containing products are more expensive than regular toothpaste or gum. Additionally, they are not readily available in stores or pharmacies. However, they can be directly bought from reputable sellers or through online marketplaces like Amazon.
As a takeaway message from the study, taking a xylitol-containing product after each meal can drastically reduce one’s chance of getting cavities.
There are also disadvantages to xylitol use. First, the study mentioned potential side effects such as diarrhea and stomach disturbance. However, these effects mostly occurred in those who took four to five times the recommended dose of six grams of xylitol per day. Second, xylitol-containing products are more expensive than regular toothpaste or gum. Additionally, they are not readily available in stores or pharmacies. However, they can be directly bought from reputable sellers or through online marketplaces like Amazon.
As a takeaway message from the study, taking a xylitol-containing product after each meal can drastically reduce one’s chance of getting cavities.
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