Help your KIDS stay CAVITY FREE! Watch today's Tuesday Tooth Talk to hear how some chewing gums and candy can actually make your kid's teeth healthier!

Xylitol is a natural sugar or sweetener that’s added to chewing gum and some candies that dentists actually WANT you to have! Xylitol is different than regular sugars by being low calorie and also not as appealing to the decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. Unlike glucose and fructose, there is a chemical component in xylitol that actually prevents bacteria from growing and allowing decay to form. That means that chewing xylitol gum or using xylitol products can have a positive impact on your dental health. For example, kids who have previously had many cavities who start using products with xylitol (instead of regular sugar) typically get fewer cavities. Those kids still need the original cavities fixed, but the probability of developing future cavities is drastically lowered with the switch from regular sugar to xylitol.  

The other benefit of xylitol is that it increases the flow of saliva. For people who feel like they constantly have a dry mouth, xylitol can actually improve this feeling. Not only that, but dry mouth can also lead to an increased chance of decay. In those cases, we recommend increasing your xylitol intake to improve your saliva flow and protect your teeth from cavities. 

If you have any questions about where to find xylitol products or have other concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us today! We are here to help you and your family stay cavity free!

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