Xylitol – Reducing Cavities

Tooth decay is a common, yet preventable childhood problem.  Left untreated, cavities in primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth become painful and negatively impact the esthetics and functionality of the teeth.

Some children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, even after receiving regular dental examinations and oral care at home.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has recently recognized the benefits of a substance called xylitol for reducing childhood tooth decay.

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural substance that can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables.  Some of the most common xylitol- rich foods include: berries, mushrooms, corns, and lettuces.  Study results indicate that 4-20 grams of xylitol each day, divided into three or more helpings, can reduce tooth decay and cavities by as much as 70%.  As a point of reference, a single cup of berries contains a little less than one gram of xylitol.

It can be difficult to encourage children (especially toddlers) to consistently eat four or more cups of fruit or vegetables each day.  For this reason, xylitol is also available as a sugar substitute, a gum, and as a concentrate in numerous health foods. No other sugar substitute has been shown to benefit young teeth in the same way.

It should be noted that excessive xylitol consumption does not provide “more” tooth protection.  Sticking to the recommended daily amount is enough to enhance other cavity-reduction efforts, and the effects will last well into the future.

How does xylitol work?

The combination of many factors increases susceptibility to childhood tooth decay and cavities.  These factors include: oral care habits, diet, carbohydrate consumption, sucrose consumption, salivary flow rate, and tooth resistance to plaque.

More specifically, harmful oral bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids.  When sugary foods are consumed, these acids attack and destroy vulnerable tooth enamel. Xylitol works to neutralize the acids, reducing enamel destruction, and minimizing the threat of cavities in the process.  Xylitol also stimulates saliva production, meaning that food particles, plaque and bacteria are continually removed from the teeth.  When used in combination with fluoride, xylitol works to remineralize teeth, protecting tooth enamel and minimizing new cavity formation.

When should my child start using xylitol?

Although xylitol gum is not suitable for very young children, infants actually benefit from maternal chewing!  Mothers of children between three months and two years old who used xylitol gum several times each day, protected their child from tooth decay until the age of five years old.  In this case, xylitol reduced the amount of microorganisms transmitted from mother to child.

Once the child reaches toddlerhood, xylitol can be consumed as a sugar substitute, or as a natural byproduct of eating fruit and vegetables.  Older children can reduce the threat of new cavities by chewing xylitol gum.

If you have questions or concerns about xylitol or tooth decay, please contact your pediatric dentist.

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I recently decided I wanted a smaller practice for my kids and after really dragging my feet I finally dove into Google. I found Dr. Thomas and her team and they got my kids in quickly to start treatment plans.
To start, the staff is so friendly and they truly go above and beyond at the front desk! Scheduling appointments comes with ease as well. My kids do great with the dental assistant and she has the perfect demeanor for little ones. Dr. Thomas has such patience with my youngest who can be a bit dramatic and a little spacey too. My older boy is so calm for her and she does a great job working on him as well.
We meet the hygienist next month and I have no doubt the experience will be as satisfactory as all the others.

Morgan T.

Hands down the BEST dentist you will find - I dare someone to challenge me ❤️ They have the absolute friendliest staff we have ever come across and Dr. Thomas is amazing! Every time we are there, we feel like we are visiting with friends and family. All of the staff makes a point to see how we are doing and they truly listen to us and genuinely care. My husband and I have been coming here for almost 10 years now. They are very honest as well regarding dental concerns and needs. We were super nervous when it came time for our son to start coming but we soon found out we had NOTHING to worry about! He is 3 1/2 years old now and LOVES the dentist! They are so wonderful with him and are encouraging/teaching him so many wonderful dental habits. He actually is excited about brushing his teeth every day! We are so lucky to have found them. If you are looking for long term dentist - look no further! We actually travel 20+ minutes to come here. It’s worth it! Thank you all so much ❤️❤️

Meagan S.

Dr. Thomas and her staff make going to the dentist a fun experience…that has to be a first when it comes to talking about a dental visit!!! This was my first time and you have a patient for life…or for as long as you can make sure I keep my teeth. What a great office and Karen was amazing as well. Usually post dental visit I feel like I’ve been in a boxing fight, even though it was just for a cleaning. This time I felt nothing. I give Dr. Thomas and her team my highest recommendation.

Shaju T.

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