2006-06-25 09:53:53 · 4 answers · asked by swftchk 1 in Health ➔ Dental
Like the hygienist said above, xylitol is a sugar substitute...
And, in studies, it has actually been proven to REVERSE decay. So, if you have a small cavity and you chew gum with xylitol, the xylitol can help remineralize that tooth so that you don't end up with a full blown cavity that you need to have filled.
Also, xylitol has been shown to cure ear infections in infants... there is a gum wipe for infants called "Swiffies" that is a xylitol wipe.
It really is a great sugar substitute. There is a lot of literature and a lot of studies have been done about it... you should do some searching and take the time to educate yourself about it.
2006-06-25 12:33:18 · answer #1 · answered by chilerin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Xylitol is a sugar substitute. It is found in some sugarfree gum, like Oribt and Trident with Xylitol. The reason it is good for your teeth is because the cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth cannot metabolize xylitol. In other words, the bacteria cannot produce the acid that causes cavities. So sugarfree gum with xylitol is a good way to prevent cavities when you cannot brush.
2006-06-25 17:14:31 · answer #2 · answered by ShortyDH 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Xylitol is an artificial sugar.
It does nothing for your teeth.
It's just has another chemical structure than sugar so it doesn't raise the acidity level of your mouth fluids and doesn't make your teeth decay.
You should be aware of what petrochemical based sweeteners do for the rest of your body.
I say definitely don't use any if you're not a diabetic.
http://www.doctoryourself.com/badhabits.html
http://www.doctoryourself.com/teeth_tooth.html
2006-06-25 17:27:28 · answer #3 · answered by woekkie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
have no idea, but the trident with xylitol is damn good
2006-06-25 16:57:19 · answer #4 · answered by medusa morada 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋