Xylitol – A Sugar Substitute for Kids Dental Health - Kids Pediatric Dentistry
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Xylitol – A Sugar Substitute for Kids Dental Health

Xylitol – A Sugar Substitute for Kids Dental Health

When kids consume food that contains regular sugar, their mouth’s bacteria receive energy, allowing them to grow and start producing acids that can erode the enamel on their teeth. The deterioration of teeth is brought on by this acid attack. Xylitol is a great option for parents who are looking for sugar substitutes. It is safe to use for both children and adults and is available in ready-to-eat forms.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol tastes sweet but unlike sugar protects teeth from tooth decay by preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Xylitol is a natural alternative to sugar and is found in:

  • Vegetables (cauliflower, pumpkins)
  • Fruits (plums, strawberries)

 

Xylitol’s Usage

Xylitol status as a natural sweetener is accepted worldwide. More than thirty five countries authorize its use in food items, medications and oral health products. It is used in:

  • Chewing gums
  • Sugar free candies
  • Toothpastes
  • Mouthwash
  • Syrups
  • Sweets

Compared to regular sugar, it functions as a low-digestible carbohydrate and has fewer calories—less than 40%. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) both have authorized Xylitol’s use as a natural sweetener.

How Xylitol prevents tooth decay?

Humans need food for energy to work and play, likewise, bacteria require fuel to grow and multiply. Beccaria get this fuel from regular sugar that adults and children consume. However, bacteria can not digest Xylitol as fuel and this prevents their growth and ability to produce the acids that eat away tooth enamel and cause cavities in children.

Xylitol helps prevent cavities one another way. It keeps the pH level in your mouth neutral. The health of your children teeth and gums is strongly impacted by the pH level in their mouths. Some meals, including sweetened drinks or snacks, raise the mouth’s acidity and bring down its pH level. When the pH in the mouth starts to dip below 5.5, tooth decay might start to happen. Since xylitol doesn’t dissolve like sugar, it aids in maintaining a stable pH level in your tongue.

 

Risk Factors

The only risk to a child would be swallowing too much of it, which would result in gas and diarrhea among many other advantages. This is because Xylitol might induce the gut bacteria to ferment it when taken in the prescribed amounts. Children with irritable bowel syndrome or those who cannot effectively absorb FODMAPS are the only ones who may be at danger from using Xylitol.

Any meal containing Xylitol that is consumed by dogs puts them at risk for hypoglycemia severe shock and cannot be digested.

Although Xylitol helps prevent cavities and is crucial for maintaining oral health but its consumption alone does not ensure proper dental health. Make sure your child follows standard dental hygiene practices also. They are brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing once a day and scheduling regular checkups with your pediatric dentist.

Schedule a consultation or call 972-727-0011 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina, Pediatric Dentist in the Allen area.

Further Reading Xylitol for Children

 

 

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