Xylitol and Candy, a “Healthy” Approach to “Candy”
Candy is bad, candy is bad, candy is bad….we’ve heard it our entire lives! The sugars in candy break down in the mouth causing an overall increase in PH of the mouth. Sugars also help to “feed” the plaque, which is in part what helps create cavities. Recent studies have allowed us to understand that there are natural alternatives to sugar that are just as sweet, and are even beneficial to the mouth!In my typical “gumption” fashion, I am always looking for natural alternatives to oral health.
Recently, I came across Dr. John’s candies® which contains xylitol instead of sugar. I was quite impressed with their line of products and approach to oral health. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth.
Xylitol prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. This is how it protects the teeth from tooth decay. Research has shown that the use of xylitol also helps repair damage to enamel. Saliva in itself protects the mouth and teeth. Stimulated saliva in particular contains all the components needed to repair early cavities. If sugar is only taken a couple of times a day, the saliva can do the job alone. However, most people take in sugar so often that the mouths own defensive tools are not enough. Hidden sugars are found in many of the foods we rely on for daily consumption. Keep in mind that only carbohydrates break down in the mouth, which include fruits, vegetables, pasta, rice, gummy vitamins, chips, potatoes etc. Each of these items has the ability to increase the PH of the mouth. Always look at the nutrition facts label to see if products you snack on or sip contain sugar.
Because the bacteria in the mouth that are causing cavities are unable to digest xylitol, the growth of plaque is greatly reduced. The number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%.
Saliva that has xylitol is also more alkaline than saliva stimulated by other sugar products. After taking xylitol products, the concentration of basic amino acids and ammonia in saliva and plaque may rise, and plaque pH rises as well. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to move into those parts of enamel that are weak. Therefore, soft, calcium-deficient enamel sites begin to harden again. The amount and consistency of your saliva is important as well.
Basically, the less saliva you have, or the drier your mouth, the greater the likelihood to develop tooth decay. Many medications are known to cause dry mouth as well. Luckily, xylitol helps to stimulate salivary flow, and help with the annoyance of constant dry mouth.
There you have it, your basic guide to xylitol, and now back to candy!!!!
Dr. John's Candies® was founded by Dr. John Bruinsma, a dentist, and his wife Debra, a dental hygienist. Their goal was to develop unique, health-based sugar free products that deliver valuable preventative health benefits for all people.
We have had great results and feedback from our clients, especially with our fluoride free families, and baby boomers who suffer dearly with dry mouth. Their lines of candies are gluten free, kosher, diabetic friendly (with the consent of your physician), are a great smoking alternative and are amazing for dieters. What a great way to take care of mouths young and old!
