Learn How Xylitol Can Help Children's Teeth

There's a new "sugar" on the market, and it's one you won't have to worry about your kids getting their hands on. It's called xylitol, a naturally occurring carbohydrate that looks and tastes like regular sugar. But since it's not actually sugar, it won't cause cavities in your children's teeth. In fact, Xylitol has been approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) for reducing the risk of cavities in younger children.

What is Xylitol?

So we've already said xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate, but where does it come from? Xylitol can be found in most of the fruits and vegetables that we eat on a daily basis, just in small amounts. In fact, it even occurs naturally in our bodies, with the average size adult manufacturing up to 15 grams of xylitol per day. For commercial purposes, however, manufacturers extract xylitol from corncobs or trees. In its pure form, xylitol takes the form of a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar.

How is it used?

There are several ways you can use xylitol. You can use its pure crystalline form as a sweetener, whether you're pouring it over your child's cereal or sprinkling it on some fresh strawberries. Xylitol can also be found in several oral care products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. There are even xylitol gums and mints. Dental experts recommend children use a 100 percent xylitol product 6-7 times per day whether it is a mint or chewing gum containing xylitol.  The frequency of use is more important than the amount used and products containing less than 100 percent are not effective enough to help the dentition.

Benefits of Xylitol

There are many benefits of Xylitol that have been proven to help the oral health of kids when their teeth are still developing. Tooth decay occurs due to bacteria in the mouth multiplying and then releasing an acid that causes the tooth to weaken (demineralize) and decay. Unfortunately brushing and flossing only temporarily remove bacteria from the teeth.
Xylitol acts like a deterrent for these bacteria and keeps the acid levels down. In addition to reducing the risk of tooth decay, it also reduces plaque formation and increases the flow of saliva to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel.
If there are early signs of tooth decay in children less than five, it is a good idea to seek the help of a kids' dentist. Those who cater to the young and growing will be able to focus better on the dental needs of a child than someone who only treats adults. Overall, keeping good dental hygiene and brushing twice a day will reduce the risk of cavities and Xylitol can supplement that to prevent the acid formation. Simple ways like this are better paths to take than dental work in the future.

Ideas on How to Make Oral Hygiene Fun For Kids

For some kids, brushing and flossing is like a chore that they do once in the morning and once at night. However, it doesn't have to be this way! Making oral hygiene fun can have lasting effects and can even make kids take an interest in keeping their mouths clean and healthy.

There's an App For That

It's recommended that a child brushes his or her teeth for two minutes. A fun way to make sure they get the full two minutes in is to use a brushing app that plays a song for two minutes and have your child brush as long as the music is playing. Pick something they like and will make them want to stay there the entire time. A smile on their face while brushing will make the time pass faster. Also, if the song is something they really enjoy they might even look forward to the next time they get to brush.

Visits from the Tooth Fairy 

Every child is different when it comes to losing teeth.  Some kids love the idea of losing teeth because that means they are growing up!  Others don’t like losing teeth because eating can become uncomfortable until the tooth falls out.  A good way to make this fun is by using the story of the tooth fairy. Tell your child a new tooth will grow back soon but the tooth fairy will come and give some money in exchange for the tooth that has come out.  This is a great opportunity to talk about brushing and flossing.  Explain that the tooth fairy loves to see teeth in good shape so she knows that the child is doing a good job brushing and flossing.   I have had some parents say the tooth fairy does not bring money for teeth with cavities that come out!

Prize Winning Teeth 

A kids' dentist can show children what can happen to their teeth if they don't brush.  Some dentists even give prizes for good oral hygiene or a good visit.  If your child’s dentist doesn't give out toys, perhaps you could find a small way to reward them for their good oral report.  A reward system, such as a brushing and flossing chart with stickers, is a great way for children to get motivated.  Then on the chart, have a spot for the six month check-ups that has a special sticker or reward to be given for a good visit.  Oral hygiene doesn't have to be a difficult task every day.  Just by making brushing and flossing into something fun, you could see an improvement in the oral health.