Getting a Healthier Smile with a Better Sugar

By Dr. John Peldyak, DMD

There is more to a healthy smile than just white teeth. On a daily basis our teeth face a constant onslaught from bacteria and the acids that they produce. The warm, moist environment in our mouths makes an ideal breeding ground for these bacteria -- most notably Streptococcus mutans -- and with the presence of refined carbohydrates (particularly sugar) from our diets; the bacteria have an almost endless food supply.

As these bacteria break down carbohydrates, they produce harsh acids. Furthermore, they create a sticky biofilm that makes it hard for our saliva to wash them away. This biofilm holds the acids in place and begins the process of de-calcifying our teeth. In simpler terms, it begins the process of tooth decay.

Now, you may be tempted to say that you know all about tooth decay and the ways to prevent it -- regular tooth brushing, flossing and using fluoride. But despite modern dentistry's best prevention efforts, tooth decay persists as a serious worldwide public health problem. Even in highly developed countries such as the United States, tooth decay remains the most common chronic childhood disease. And it's not just a problem for kids -- estimates suggest that one quarter of the adult population has untreated tooth decay.

The direct cost associated with dental caries is high, and indirect costs such as time lost from school or work and physical inconvenience and discomfort are an additional burden. The newest statistics even indicate an alarming increase in tooth decay rates. Clearly, something more is needed.

That "something more" is Xylitol.

Since the combination of bacteria and a ready supply of carbohydrates causes the problem of tooth decay, the logical approach would be to find a way to get rid of the bacteria or to keep the bacteria from being able to use the carbohydrates from the diet. Xylitol is just such a carbohydrate that can achieve both goals.

Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sweetener that is found in fruits and vegetables, and is continually generated by human metabolism. With the same sweetness as regular sugar, xylitol has been used as a preferred sweetener in the diabetic diet for many years since it doesn't interfere with blood sugar levels. Recently xylitol has gained popularity because of its other health-promoting properties as well.

During World War II, consumers in Finland and other Scandinavian countries had a hard time getting a regular supply of sugar. They discovered that xylitol could be processed from birch wood and substituted for regular sugar in baking and for other sweetening uses -- most notably for sweetening chewing gum and mints. Researchers noted a dramatic reduction in tooth decay rates with those who used xylitol. Further research into how xylitol improved dental health showed two key effects: 1) bacteria were unable to break-down xylitol into acid as they do other carbohydrates and 2) xylitol interfered with the ability of bacteria to adhere to tissues in the mouth and upper respiratory tract.

One surprising finding is that even small amounts of xylitol can stop tooth decay. Individuals with relatively poor diets can enjoy dental protection with as little as 6 grams (a rounded teaspoonful) of xylitol each day. That small amount of xylitol is enough to suppress the acid-producing bacteria, inhibit plaque formation, and promote remineralization of the tooth enamel.

Clinical trials have been conducted worldwide over the past the 30 years and have conclusively demonstrated xylitol's value in prevention of tooth decay. Many of these studies have been reported in professional dental journals, leading dentists and dental hygienists to begin recommending xylitol to their patients.

The xylitol effect is long-lasting and has led to improved dental health even years after the trials have been completed. These trials also helped define the best ways to use xylitol to achieve the greatest benefits. Several considerations are involved with maximizing xylitol benefits.

Get the Right Products

Look for xylitol as the first ingredient (or at least the first sweetener, and preferably the only sweetener) listed on the label. Beware that xylitol is often added in meaningless amounts after other sweeteners or near the end of the ingredients list just to take advantage of xylitol's positive image. Many of the products that tout "with xylitol" do not contain enough xylitol to be effective.

Xylitol is most effective for the teeth in certain "delivery systems" that encourage chewing or sucking such as chewing gum or mints. The right amount of xylitol added to toothpaste and mouthwash can make these more effective as well.

For an extra benefit, look for xylitol mints or candies that also include calcium. Xylitol is known to increase the absorption of calcium to help increase the remineralization of the tooth enamel.

How much do I need?

Keep in mind that six grams of xylitol per day will block the harmful germs that eat away at tooth enamel. Typically, six grams is supplied by eight pieces of gum or by 12 mints. You can also count each use of Spry's Coolmint or Spearmint xylitol toothpaste as another gram.

Since xylitol can interfere with bacterial adherence, routine xylitol use can also reduce the incidence of middle ear infections and other upper respiratory complaints. Here xylitol can be delivered in the form of a xylitol/saline nasal spray, such as Xlear Nasal Wash.

Some consumers use xylitol in much higher amounts for other benefits. XyloSweet, which is 100% xylitol sweetener, has the same taste and function of ordinary sugar and can be used to replace sugar in almost all recipes or uses. Since XyloSweet is much lower on the glycemic index (with a rating of "7" compared to sugar's rating of"83") it is safe for diabetic use and with a lower calorie count per gram, it can be used in weight-loss programs.

How often?

Statistically, decay prevention really shows up at three uses per day. Better results are obtained with five uses, but remember that every use will help increase the degree of protection. Try to use xylitol immediately after every meal and snack. Check your eating habits. Frequent snacks may require more frequent use of xylitol to completely suppress mouth acids and to reduce bacteria.

What if I forget?

Consistency is important. Missing xylitol on one or two days will not affect overall benefits, but if you are only using xylitol occasionally, you may not be able to see a noticeable difference.

Effective Xylitol use is simple.

Here is a typical recommendation: Brush with Spry xylitol toothpaste and use Xlear Nasal Wash morning and night; chew two pieces of Spry xylitol gum after each meal and use Spry xylitol mints between meals. This will ensure adequate xylitol exposure to suppress the germs that cause tooth decay. and it will interfere with the adherence of germs that can cause upper respiratory infections (an added bonus!). If you want to know more about xylitol and how it works, ask your dental professional or you can visit www.xylitol.org or www.xlear.com.

You can find Xlear's products sweetened with 100% xylitol, as well as XyloSweet in one and three pound packages, at most health food stores throughout the country. This makes it easy and convenient to add xylitol protection to your normal everyday routine. Xylitol will sweeten that healthy smile!