Improve Your Dental Health with Xylitol
Did you know that tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in both adults and children in the US? That’s right! Ninety-two percent of adults age 20-64 have experienced tooth decay.
Xylitol can be incorporated into one’s daily routine for a healthier mouth. Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute that comes from Birch trees and fruit. Due to its unique molecular structure, it does not break down like regular sugar. Therefore, instead of feeding the bad bacteria in your mouth, xylitol starves it. Everyone has bad bacteria in their mouth. The key is learning to control it. Bacteria attacks teeth when the pH is low. By keeping a neutral pH, one can keep the bacteria from being active. Drinking water and brushing your teeth is one way to keep a neutral environment. However, with busy schedules, this can be hard to keep up during the day. Xylitol has the ability to increase the saliva in your mouth which neutralizes the pH and promotes mineralization for stronger teeth. Understanding every detail of how Xylitol works would be a lengthy discussion. Here’s what you need to know: it starves bacteria, increases saliva to help with mineralization of the teeth, and neutralizes the mouth for a balanced pH.
Studies show that putting xylitol into your body 3-5 times a day will help fight tooth decay. The most obvious way to get xylitol into your body is brushing with toothpaste that contains xylitol as everyone should be brushing 2x a day for 2 minutes as recommended by the ADA and ADHA. BURST Oral Care offers 3 adult toothpaste formulas and 3 children’s toothpaste formulas that all contain xylitol. Other options include sweetener in your coffee or xylitol gum and mints. In regard to gum and mints, xylitol should be the first ingredient on the ingredients list. Zollipops are also a great option for children.
Although xylitol has many benefits, it also has a safe daily dosage. Side effects of overconsumption may include: gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Often, consumers may need to work up to a higher level. Studies show that to be therapeutic adults should consume 6-10 grams per day but can tolerate up to 10-30 grams when divided into several small doses throughout the day. After the body adapts, adults can consume up to 70 grams and children up to 40 grams per day. (Please remember to increase xylitol consumption slowly.)
It is also important to note, xylitol can be very toxic to dogs. If you have fur babies at home, please keep your xylitol products up and out of reach.
With many xylitol options available, we hope you’re able to find your way to a healthier mouth and a healthier you!
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