Xylitol gum improves health
Published: Thursday, November 6, 2008 12:38 PM CST
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BethAnn Cameron | U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - What else can be done to fight tooth decay after brushing and flossing your teeth, seeing the dentist, avoiding sugary foods and treats, and drinking fluoridated water?
Dentists now tell us to chew xylitol (pronounced zy-li-tall) gum after every meal to help prevent cavities. Xylitol-sweetened mints can be used by people who can't or prefer not to chew gum.
Xylitol protects teeth in these ways:
If you don't brush and floss regularly, you are at higher risk for cavities. Chew sugar-free gum, eat sugar-free mints and candies, and use toothpaste made with xylitol.
Xylitol is a natural sugar found in fruits and vegetables. It comes from hardwood such a birch tree. The taste is as sweet as sugar, with no artificial aftertaste. Xylitol blocks the production of acid that causes tooth decay. It has been approved for use as a food additive in "sugar-free" products by FDA since 1963.
Reasons to chew xylitol gum include these:
Deployed Soldiers are at higher risk for tooth decay and other oral diseases because of reduced flossing and tooth brushing and more frequent sugar intake. To help fight the dental disease that is caused by the foods and drinks that Soldiers consume, the Army distributes xylitol gum in dining facilities. Xylitol gum is also in Soldiers' Meals Ready to Eat.
To find xylitol gum or mints, read labels. Look for xylitol first. It should be the first ingredient listed on the label before other sweeteners such as sorbitol. In chewing gum, xylitol should appear before gum base.
People who chew xylitol gum and/or eat xylitol candies and mints can reduce their risk of cavities. Protect your teeth and your family's teeth from cavities. Choose your gum, candies and mints wisely. Chew the ones made with xylitol.
For information about xylitol gum and Soldier oral fitness, visit the Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine's oral fitness pages at http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw/OralFitnessMain.aspx.
