Xylitol - Who Can Benefit?

In my last post I noted that xylitol can reduce cavities by as much as 85% when used properly. It works by correcting the balance of acid producing bacteria in the mouth; that is, reducing the number of bacteria that produce acid and increasing the number that do not. In this entry we will look at who should be using it.

1.     People who get frequent cavities.  When bacteria are in proper balance, saliva flow is normal and the diet is low in refined carbohydrates, people don’t get cavities. If you have had a cavity within the last three years or especially if you have had multiple or frequent cavities, you are a candidate for xylitol.

2.     People who have dry mouth (xerostomia). We are seeing more and more patients with dry mouth syndrome, which often appears as a side effect of taking lots of medications. Nothing is more frustrating for us than to see patients who have had no problems for many years begin to get cavities as the number of meds they take increases.

3.     People who have physical problems that compromise their ability to brush. This often happens to people who are in nursing homes or assisted living.

4.     Mothers of newborn babies. Babies are born essentially germ-free but very quickly acquire the bacteria present in the mouths of their main caregiver through kissing, food tasting, etc. If the mother has good oral health, the baby is less likely to acquire the bad bacteria.

5.     Children whose permanent teeth have not yet erupted. Cavities in baby teeth are a sign that bad bacteria have already colonized a child’s mouth. If the child is old enough to chew gum or dissolve xylitol-containing candies in the mouth, the bad bacteria can be eliminated before the permanent teeth come in.

6.     People with poorly controlled acid reflux (GERD). In addition to minimizing bad bacteria, xylitol also changes the pH of the mouth to a non-acid environment. This reduces the likelihood of acid erosion damage to the teeth as well as reducing the possibility of decay.

If you suspect that xylitol would be beneficial for you please ask us about it at your next visit.

There is one more post to follow in the “xylitol trilogy.” In it, we will look at where to get xylitol, how to use it, and possible side effects.