A number of my patients have come to me asking for more information about the benefits of Xylitol and Xylitol gum for maintaining healthy teeth. Today I’d like to address some of their questions and provide more facts about Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener first discovered in birch tree bark and also found in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is actually good for your teeth, unlike many other natural or synthetic sweeteners. Numerous clinical studies have shown that Xylitol does indeed prevent the growth of bacteria that causes decay. It also helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce plaque. Products sweetened with xylitol create an unwelcome environment for bacteria; they simply cannot stick to teeth in a xylitol-rich environment.

What are other benefits of Xylitol?

In addition, it not only has fewer calories and less effect on blood sugar than sucrose, but xylitol also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth. This minimizes the damage done to your teeth, as well as allowing your teeth to heal at a faster rate. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7, compared to sugar's level of 83.

Because Xylitol is low on the glycemic index, many diabetic patients can enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. When patients at my Provo Dentist Office complain about frequent dry mouth, I can confidently recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Is using Xylitol gum a substitute for brushing and dental exams?
The answer to this question is a resounding “No!” If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing Xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly after meals and get routine exams and dental cleanings at your Provo, UT Dentist Office.
 

Shopping for oral hygiene aids can be overwhelming. Supermarket shelves are filled with various types of products, and it can be challenging to determine what’s right for you. Today I’m going to provide a quick summary of the different oral hygiene aids available along with their appropriate uses.

Dental Flosses
Dental floss is the most common interdental (below the gum) cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors. Floss helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth. Floss should normally be used twice daily after brushing.

Interdental Brushes
Many hygienists & periodontists recommend interdental brushes in addition to dental floss. These tiny brushes are gentle on the gums and very effective in cleaning the contours of teeth in between the gums.

Mouth Rinses
There are two basic types of mouth rinse available: Cosmetic rinses, used to temporarily suppress bad breath, and therapeutic rinses which may require a prescription from our Provo UT Dental Office. Therapeutic rinses are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing.

Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators (like Waterpiks) are designed to clean debris from below the gum line. Water is continuously sprayed from tiny jets, helping to remove harmful bacteria and food particles.

Rubber Tip Stimulators
The rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool for removing plaque from around the gum line and also for stimulating blood flow to the gums.

Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are generally recommended by dentists because they are much more effective than manual brushes. The vibrating or rotary motion helps to dislodge plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth. Manual toothbrushes can achieve similar results but with greater effort and should be replaced every three months.

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems, but in-office cleanings are only the first step. If you still have questions, the team at Provo Dental can recommend the most suitable products for your needs.

Periodontal disease is a serious problem because of the devastating effects it can have on your oral as well as your general health. In addition to regular check-ups and cleanings for your family, proper at-home oral hygiene can go a long way toward minimizing or preventing the onset of Periodontal Disease. With that in mind, I’d like to review the basics of proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Brushing:

1. Brush at least twice a day; in the morning and before bed.  Unsure of which brush is right for you? Provo Dental will be happy to help you select the one that suits your needs.
2. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
3. Use small circular motions to gently brush gumline and teeth.
4. Don’t apply too much pressure to the teeth - this can damage gums and tooth enamel.
5. Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Pay special attention to the surfaces of the back teeth.
6. Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
7. Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.

Flossing:

Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from between teeth, preventing periodontal disease. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that will be easy and pleasant to use.

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18” long.
2. Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.
3. Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.
4. Curve the floss in a U-shape around each tooth, carefully sliding it beneath the gum line.
5. Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.

If you still have questions, your Provo, UT Family Dentist will be more than happy to answer them for you.