Chew Gum or Savor Mints to Fight Cavities

  A new product has come on the market in the last year in the United States to help fight cavities.  You may have noticed chewing gum and selected mints with the ingredient Xylitol.  Xylitol has long been recognized as a sugar alcohol that prevents cavities.  Xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria that cause cavities because the bacteria cannot metabolize xylitol to grow and replicate.  The bacteria in your mouth starve and fortunately place you at a lower risk for cavities.  Xylitol chewing gum also increases salivary flow which also aids in cavity reduction.  If you already enjoy chewing gum or sucking on mints look for products containing xylitol at your local grocer.  For xylitol to have cavity preventative levels youʼll want it to be first in the list of ingredients.  Oral benefits have been observed when xylitol gum or mints are used 3-5 times daily for approximately five minutes or until mint dissolves.   

  It is important to note that xylitol is not a magic bullet! It is important to follow the recommendations of your dentist to brush 2-3 times daily for 2 minutes, floss daily, minimize snacking or your exposure to foods that cause cavities and to see your dentist for regular check-ups in order to reduce your risk of cavities.     Be on the lookout for xylitol containing products; you will find it in gum, mints, toothpaste and mouthwash.  We look forward to seeing you at your next visit with a better check-up! 

-Authored by Robin Hogan, DDS