All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth (in perfect condition)

By Dr. John Peldyak, DMD

For many folks the Christmas Holiday Season is a time to loosen up on dietary restrictions. Seasonal sweet treats and candies can pose a threat to teeth as well as to waistlines. All that sugar can lead to acid that decalcifies tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. One naturally-sweet sugar replacement--xylitol--can help neutralize plaque acids and prevent damage before it begins. Xylitol can even help to remineralize areas that have already been damaged. It only takes small amounts of xylitol, such as in mints and chewing gum, to greatly increase dental protection.

Long-Term Protection
Xylitol has been shown in more than a dozen long-term trials to dramatically reduce the incidence of tooth decay (dental caries). One surprising finding is that xylitol groups enjoy a long-term protective effect, which persists even several years after xylitol use is discontinued. Closer examination of the results revealed that the best protection was associated with teeth that erupted (grew through the gums) during a period of xylitol use. In most of these studies, only small amounts of xylitol were used in the form of chewing gum, at least 3 times each day.

Non-Acid Environment
This eruption time is critical for the proper development of tooth enamel. As new teeth emerge into the mouth, the enamel is somewhat soft and porous. This new enamel can be strengthened by picking up minerals from a proper environment. An acid environment is harmful to enamel maturation and allows easier access for harmful bacterial colonization. New teeth erupting into such an acidic environment are considered to be at higher risk for tooth decay.

Xylitol can provide crucial benefits for newly erupting teeth. Proper xylitol use provides an ideal non-acidic environment, and xylitol acts as a carrier for calcium which enhances the natural mineralization process. The combination of xylitol properties enables the new enamel to be optimally mineralized and provides long-term resistance to tooth decay.

Timing Is Important
There is a brief “window of opportunity” for a lasting protective effect when new teeth emerge through gum tissue. Ideally xylitol use would begin before the new tooth shows up, thereby setting ideal conditions to welcome in the new arrival.

Setting the Stage--Baby Teeth
The best way to prepare for a life of perfect teeth is to start at the beginning. Baby teeth (“primary teeth”) are extremely important for the proper development and positioning of the permanent adult teeth. Decay can progress very rapidly through the thin enamel of the primary teeth. Tooth decay at a young age (early childhood caries or ECC) can lead to serious infections, as well as esthetic and orthodontic problems.

Fortunately, early tooth decay is almost entirely preventable. Current recommendations include limiting the frequency of sugar consumption, especially between meals and before bedtime.

It has been discovered that mother can readily pass tooth decay germs to her baby (by contact—touching, kissing, food tasting, etc.). Before baby’s first tooth even appears, mother should be using xylitol regularly to help prevent transmission of decay-causing bacteria. When baby’s first teeth erupt (about 6 months of age) xylitol can be used in the form of a gel, such as the Spry Infant Tooth Gel by Xlear, which can be applied with a swab or toothbrush. Unlike regular toothpaste, the xylitol gel is safe for baby to swallow. A new way of delivering the xylitol gel is by means of a clever pacifier with a special reservoir which slowly releases the xylitol.

Mixed Dentition
The transition period between baby teeth and permanent teeth is known as the “mixed dentition.” For most children this occurs between the ages of 5 and 12. You may remember an advertising slogan referring to this time as “the cavity–prone years”. Because of the xylitol products we now have available, certain “high-risk situations” can now be regarded as “times of opportunity.”

Again, the timing is critical for the proper mineral maturation of newly emerging enamel. The xylitol habit should be established before the permanent adult teeth make their appearance. By the time the front baby teeth begin to wiggle loose, the permanent adult molars may already be emerging in back. These first molars are very important for the foundation of proper alignment and a lifetime of comfortable dental function.

Since the child is older, xylitol candy, such as SparX, Spry mints, and Spry chewing gum, along with Spry xylitol toothpaste, can be used. Instead of times of “high risk,” eruption periods can be times of enhanced protection with xylitol.

Goal
Our goal is to have healthy teeth with no decay and no fillings. We now have the added protection of xylitol as extra insurance at those times we need it most. With the help of xylitol, tooth eruption can now be regarded as a great opportunity to develop the best smile possible.