How does Xylitol help dry mouth?

Dry mouth puts patients at risk for cavities and dental damage because without saliva there is no daily, natural repair mechanism.

Daily repair and “rebuilding” of teeth creates a state of dental health.

For teeth to remain strong there must be adequate repair to balance /supersede any daily wear and tear on teeth.

Rebuilding occurs when minerals in saliva enter the tooth surface and deposit in them.

Without saliva teeth have no mineral supply to aid in this repair process.

Xylitol stimulates this depositing of minerals into teeth.

FYI, Xylitol works synergistically with dilute fluoride rinsing (ACT).

Frequent nibbling of xylitol during the day should be preceeded and following by rinsing with ACT (morning and night). With this, great results will be noticed quickly.

One patient told me that it makes her thirsty

If your patient needs to drink water – maybe tell her to put a half teaspoon of granular xylitol into the water and drink this!

Frequent use of xylitol for people with dry mouth is their answer – they will be happy when they can see how it gives them improved dental health.

Used correctly – benefits should be seen within a month.

A “mix and match” approach with granular and mints/gum is often the best way to achieve sufficient xylitol and sufficient frequency( at least five exposures at separate times each day. Best to have xylitol between meals or after acidic or sugar attacks).

I did tell her that xylitol would protect her teeth, because the bacteria in her mouth cannot produce acid, decrease plaque formation.

You are correct –

How does xylitol help periodontal disease?

It appears that xylitol can suppress many/all the harmful pathogens.

When patients use my Complete Mouth Care System (with Closys, Crest,Listerine and ACT used in sequence) they get extraordinary success.

The details of why this happens is in my book Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye (www.DrEllie.com)

How does xylitol work with gram negative microorganisms causing perio. disease?

I am not sure exactly but we are currently doing some patient Oral DNA testing to try and figure out details.

I agree that much has to be learned and I believe the picture painted by Oral DNA testing is going to help in this process.

Thanks for your question.

Ellie Phillips DDS

www.ZelliesCleanWhiteTeeth.com

Solutions for Oral Health!

author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye