As the Chief Dental Officer at DentaQuest (the nation’s fourth largest dental benefits carrier) I have opportunities to see many innovative changes in dentistry. These recent changes include storing baby teeth (cryogenic freezing) so that stem cells found inside them can be available in the future for replacing bone, cartilage, tissue and other cells necessary for good health. Just last year, the stem cells inside teeth were used to produce some beta insulin-producing cells that may prove useful in curing diabetes in the future. I have also talked with researchers who have identified a gene in humans that may be able to replace teeth that are lost. There are also new drugs available for use in the dental office to treat highly anxious children safely with a twilight sleep while their dental procedures are performed.

I get very excited at these types of prospects, but in reality, they are for extraordinary cases and most children and their parents will never use these developments. However, one of my favorite topics for improving children’s dental health is something that 100 percent of children and adults can benefit from everyday. It is taking advantage of the protective results of xylitol, a natural sugar found in many fruits and berries. The protection that comes from daily intake of xylitol includes plaque reduction, cavity reduction and remineralization of early decay. Remineralization is a term that describes a tooth’s ability to heal itself from early cavities, similar to how a cut on our finger can heal itself if we keep it clean. Daily use of fluoride (even through drinking tap water) and xylitol will help our bodies remineralize early decay in our teeth. Spry gum, mints, toothpaste, mouthwash, candies, nasal spray and their other products are the leading xylitol products in the country. I recommend Spry xylitol products and use them personally because they really work. Some manufacturers say that they sweeten with xylitol, but it is in insufficient amounts to prevent tooth decay. Check the packaging of products claiming to have xylitol to make sure the xylitol is the principal sweetener, and not just an additive.

Just to give you a “flavoring” of what’s out there in the latest research, the December 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (139;12:1602-14), noted, when it comes to xylitol, “there is consistent evidence to support the use of [xylitol-containing] chewing gum as part of normal oral hygiene to prevent dental caries.”

By simply following the advice to chew two pieces of xylitol gum, three times a day, almost everyone could avoid having another new cavity the rest of their lives. Yes, I like xylitol, and I do want people using it as part of their dental hygiene program.

Xylitol must be used daily and regularly. Use xylitol several times per day. Studies show that 8 to 10 grams of xylitol per day are effective.

Learn more at xylitol.org.

Resources

The Spry Dental Defense System® and all Xlear® products are widely available at health food stores nationwide. To find a store in your area, visit the locator service at www.xlear.com. For more information about Xlear, call 1-877-599-5327.

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