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May 27, 2008, 6:15 pm
Flag as Inappropriate DanaS  

Does anyone know anything about the application of xylitol (a sugar substitute) to help re-mineralisation of the teeth? Do any of you use the stuff already as a tooth healthy way of sweetening foods?

Xylitol is a sweetener. It doesnt recalicy the teeth at all. What doies is teh calcium carbonate that is added to whatever the product is.

Wikipedia has a great explanation of Xylitol.

I just dont like the mint undertone that products have that use xylitol. I wish they would use

splenda instead.

Personally, I don't care of any sugar replacements whether artificial or natural. I don't see how any of them can be particularly beneficial in the long run plus they just feed the sweet tooth that is contributing to the rise of obesity.

thats really the whole point of artificial sweetners. They act by saiting the sweet yen and prevent eating the worng thing.

Ergo artificial sweetners help in: controlling blood sugar, they also help to prevent caries.

So they are beneficial.

j

The OP didn't say re-calcify, she said re-mineralise. Everything that I have read suggests that it does;

https://secure.dentalxylitol.com/

Quote;

Xylitol is backed by decades of Clinical studies that have repeatedly shown reductions in tooth decay by up to 80% in people who consistently use Xylitol-rich products. Consistent use has also been shown to:

* Inhibit the ability of cavity-causing, plaque-forming bacteria to stick to teeth

* Reverse early cavity formation

* Remineralize (reverse) early cavity formation

* Reduce plaque formation around orthodontic appliances

* Reduce Otitis media (ear infection) by up to 40%

The xylitol is naturally anti bacterial and kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay. I do not understand the principle of re-mineralisation with this or fluoride, but if it can reverse early cavities then I would say that yes indeed it is doing it.

Just remember that if you use too much of it, Xylitol can cause diarrhea and that kind of discomfort. But you need to use over 40 mg of it so it's usually safe for most people.

Very interesting subject and I never really try to use anything sweet, regular sugar or anything else though I will be looking into this.

I've never heard of this before. What is it?...

I too have not heard of this before, however, it sounds like something I need to learn more about.