Whether it’s digital X-rays, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign braces, Dr. Worth is committed to pro- viding innovative tools and techniques for dental health and hygiene. But Dr. Worth also believes that a bright smile is built on a foundation of preventive care—brushing, flossing and chewing gum sweetened with the proven cavity-fighting sugar alcohol, xylitol. For Dr. Worth, xylitol is one of most efficient and effective tools we have to fight tooth decay and create healthy smiles.

In an interview with Healthy Living, Dr. Worth expounded further on xylitol’s many benefits, dis- cussed other new approaches to dental hygiene, and touched on the one thing everyone gets wrong about keeping their teeth healthy.

Healthy Living: What first drew you to xylitol and convinced you of its efficacy?

Dr. Sherri Worth: I was looking for a natural, not artificial, sweetener and came across xylitol. I did some research and was pleased with what I found.

In what ways do you recommend your patients use xylitol-based products?

I recommend chewing gum with xylitol. This is the most beneficial use of it for dental health, as it helps prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth, which in turn protects the teeth from decay.

What’s the science behind xylitol? What makes it so effective?

When used on a regular basis, xylitol prevents bacteria from creating an acidic environment in one’s oral cavity, which can damage teeth. Xylitol also helps with remineralization, which can help stop small, just-developing decay spots from growing.

Even if one already has veneers or implants, are there still benefits to be gained from using products with xylitol?

Yes. Veneers and implants need to be taken care of just like natural teeth, and cleaning and maintaining their strength is done in a very similar way. Acidity and bacteria can damage them just as much as they damage natural teeth, so the benefits of xylitol are still there in a major way.

We all know about brushing, flossing and mouthwash. Are there any newer steps you’ve developed, or other products you’ve found that people should incorporate into their dental hygiene regimens?

The water flosser is great. It’s a handheld device that has a stream of pressurized water that cleans around the gumline and in between the teeth. An- other product we recommend is the air flosser. It is very similar; it has a stream of water pressurized with air that also cleans between the teeth, while massaging the gumline.

Outside of smoking and coffee, what else in our daily lives and diets can stain our teeth and worsen our smiles?

Red wine, teas, colas, soy sauce—anything dark can cause teeth to stain. Oftentimes, people also chew ice. This can cause breakage and/or microfractures to the teeth.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about keeping their teeth healthy and their smiles bright and white?

People think they need their teeth cleaned once a year, when according to literature, people need to get their teeth cleaned every three to four months. This is the best preventive measure people can take to ensure a healthy and bright smile.

An accomplished leader and inno- vator in cosmetic and reconstruc- tive dentistry, Dr. Sherri Worth is one of the country’s top dentists. Specializing in “smile makeovers” for celebrities, models, profes- sional athletes, and everyday people alike, Dr. Worth has been featured on many television programs, including Dr. Phil and Larry King Live, and in national publications, such as Vogue, Elle, InStyle, Marie Clare, the Wall Street Journal, and more.

Dr. Worth personally uses and enjoys Spry xylitol products. She finds them to be extremely effective, pure and simple to use—and her patients do too!

Resources

Spry products are available at health food stores and natural health pharmacies nationwide. To find a store near you or for more information, call 877-599-5327 or visit www.xlear.com. For more information on Dr. Sherri Worth, call 800-878-9244 or visit www.drsherriworth.com.

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