Warren Family Dentist Reveals Dental Benefits of Xylitol, a Natural Sweetener

Warren Family Dentist, Dr. Greg Apsey reveals dental benefits of Xylitol, a natural sweetener. This natural sweetener is extracted from birch trees, strawberries, and other natural plant sources. It is healthy for your mouth because it quickly neutralizes the acids in your mouth to help reduce the bacteria. Learn all about the dental benefits of Xylitol for your teeth from Dr. Greg Apsey, Warren Family Dentist and you will be one step closer to preventing tooth decay and having a healthier smile.

Tooth Decay: How it Happens?

• Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth consumes the sugars you eat.
• When you eat food with ordinary sugar (sucrose), it gives the bacteria on your teeth the energy to multiply and make acids that can eat away the enamel on your teeth.
• This “acid attack” causes tooth decay and cavities to begin to form.

Xylitol: The Dental Benefits for Teeth.

• Xylitol, is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants.
• It does not break down like ordinary sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.
• It also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
• This is how it protects the teeth from tooth decay.

Less Bacteria, Less Acid – Healthier Teeth!

• Since the bacteria in the mouth that would cause the cavities are unable to digest xylitol, their growth is greatly reduced.
• The number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%.
• No acid is formed because the pH of saliva and plaque does not fall.
• After taking xylitol, the bacteria do not stick well on the surface of the teeth and as a result, the amount of plaque decreases.

Warren Family Dentist Reveals Dental Benefits of Xylitol, a Natural Sweetener

Warren Family Dentist, Dr. Greg Apsey recommends that it is best to use xylitol between meals to help reduce the acids in your mouth. Xylitol can be found in common dental health care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash or nasal spray. It can also be used in gum, candies, mints, or packets that can be added to tea or coffee. Some of these products are available at our office or you can also find them at local health food stores (also known as birch sugar).

You must look at the list of ingredients to know if a product contains xylitol. Generally, for the amount of xylitol to be at decay-preventing levels, it must be listed as the first ingredient.

Strive For 5

Xylitol should be used at least three times daily, but strive for 5 times daily, for a total intake of 5 grams, to be most effective.

1. Use xylitol toothpaste, mouthwash, and/or nasal spray upon waking up.
2. After breakfast use xylitol gum, candies, mints or packets
3. After lunch use xylitol gum, candies, mints or packets
4. After dinner use xylitol gum, candies, mints or packets
5. Use xylitol toothpaste, mouthwash, and/or nasal spray upon going to bed.

Because frequency and duration of exposure is important, gum should be chewed for approximately 5 minutes and candies or mints should be allowed to dissolve.

While xylitol alone won’t rule out tooth decay completely, the dental benefits of it can have a significant influence on your dental health.

Warren Family Dentist Reveals Dental Benefits of Xylitol, a Natural Sweetener

At our Warren Family Dentist office, we take a warm and welcoming family approach to dental care. We make every effort to have our patients feel comfortable and enjoy excellent results here. Dr. Greg Apsey and his staff have dedicated themselves to the highest quality dental care for the people of Macomb County for over 25 years. If you are looking for a comfortable dental experience for you and your family, call our Warren Family Dentist office at 586-573-7700 to schedule a visit with Dr. Greg Apsey.