Bad teeth are bad news.
From gingivitis and cavities all the way through to decayed and loose teeth.
Online, there are all kinds of treatments that have nothing to do with a dentist’s surgery. But are there really any proven, natural treatments that don’t cost an arm and a leg? Can receded gums and cavities really repair themselves naturally?
According to the latest information on natural treatments online, the answer is xylitol.
In this report, we give a brief rundown on what xylitol is, what it’s meant to do, who recommends it and who doesn’t recommend it.
What is xylitol?
Xylitol is a substance produced by our own bodies. It is naturally sweet and found in strawberries, mushrooms and other plants. It is a sugar alcohol.
It can be bought in various forms, such as crystals, chewing gum and toothpaste– even a nasal wash as it is an antifungal.
It can be eaten as a sugar substitute, has been pronounced safe to consume by the FDA (American Food Standards) and FSANZ (Food Standard Australia & New Zealand). With 40% less calories than sugar and a very low GI, it is safe for diabetics to consume.
How does it prevent and repair tooth decay?
It’s used as a sugar subsitute but it behaves very differently to sugar in the mouth. Bacteria in the mouth use energy from sugar to dissolve enamel in teeth. Xylitol provides no energy to mouth bacteria.
Xylitol is meant to have special properties which repair cavities, cure gingivitis and allow receding gums to regenerate. It’s being recommended for children– to prevent them ever developing cavities.
Every time we eat, acid starts attacking the teeth. Xylitol prevents this process if taken after a meal. Reportedly, enamel and bone around the teeth can regenerate if left free of this acid attack over a period of time.
90% of acid-producing streptococci and lactobacilli can be reduced with xylitol.
Xylitol is also meant to increase saliva flow– a dry mouth leads to faster tooth decay.
There have been numerous scientific studies showing positive results, including a study that showed micro-hardening of enamel with xylitol over the space of just a few days.
Who is recommending it?
There are many dentists and dental associations recommending xylitol. The Californian Dental Association says that the sugar alcohol that shows the most promise in cavity prevention is xylitol.
A dentist currently recommending xylitol is Dr Ellie Phillips, who runs a blog where she answers questions from people about tooth decay and xylitol. She has a special regime and xylitol jellies to repair teeth and gums quickly.
In a snapshot, Dr Ellie Phillips says that with her regime:
- Receding gums can repair themselves. Bone in the body can regenerate, including teeth and the bone that holds teeth in place.
- Cavities can repair themselves completely, excepting cavities that have already gone too deep.
- Teeth can repair around a deep cavity and stop it from progressing further.
- Tooth enamel can strengthen and rebuild.
- Teeth will become whiter and stronger.
- Strong teeth are resistant to teeth grinding. (Some people grind their teeth at night through stress or bite problems.)
- Bone will grow back around loose teeth, cementing them back into place. (Except if the process has gone too far)
- Hairline cracks in teeth will repair.
- Periodontal disease can be a thing of the past
Interestingly, Dr Phillips does not recommend sorbitol, which is commonly found in sugarless gum sold in Australia. She also says never to use baking soda which she says dissolves the enamel and bone.
Who isn’t recommending xylitol?
Vets for one! Just like chocolate, xylitol can be dangerous for your dog to consume. Find other ways of keeping your pet’s teeth healthy.
Also not recommending xylitol are various people around the web who are interested in natural health– they have concerns about the way xylitol is produced and also believe that we are better off consuming alkaline-producing food and avoiding sugar.
Indeed, we should be concerned about the chemical or extraction process used to produce substances we consume– who is producing the substance and what is the original source?
Some people are concerned that xylitol might encourage people to eat the wrong food more often, thinking they can prevent any damage to their teeth.
If large amounts are consumed, diarrhea can result.
Conclusion
Prevention is always best. But it rings hollow to mention prevention when the horse has already bolted!
For people with existing cavities and receding gums, perhaps you could ask your dentist about xylitol– and see what results xylitol can bring for you.
Xylitol has been pronounced safe to consume by health authorities and comes with some good recommendations and research.
Many dentists will advise that periodonitis (gum disease where tooth enamel and bone are worn away) is not reversible– and would therefore refute some of the claims made by xylitol advocates. Here is some information about gum disease from nobledentist.com.au
Perhaps a regime of eating foods high in xylitol and generally eating well, along with visiting your dentist regularly is the best answer to good oral health.
