Cavity Risk Assessment
Are you concerned about the number of cavities you or someone in your family has? There are many causes of cavities.Frequent exposure of the teeth to sugary, acidic or naturally sweet foods, drinks or snacks greatly increases the risk of more cavities.
Many foods and drinks have high sugar/acid content: all popular energy drinks, pops and sweetened fruit drinks and juices all contain over six teaspoons of sugar per serving. Any diet pop still contains many acids which demineralize (take out the calcium) the enamel that protects the tooth. Drinking several coffees/tea with sugar also increase the risk.
Many of the packaged snacks packed in lunches are guaranteed to increase the risk of cavities. Read the ingredients! If sugar or a derivative of sugar is in the top four ingredients, put it back on the shelf. Canada's New Food Guide gives examples of healthy snacks.
New studies have shown that Xylitol Gum and Xylitol Mouthwash reduce cavities.
Healthy Mouth = Healthy Body
Did you know you can live a longer, healthier life by having a healthy mouth? The absence of gum disease and cavities can add years to your life.Excess sugar and acid in our diet weakens the enamel of our teeth and weakens our immune system. The sugar feeds the bacteria, allowing them to grow and become a hazard to our oral and general health. Many medications and smoking reduce the quality and quantity of saliva. Our saliva plays an important role in keeping our mouth and body healthy. The saliva washes away bits of food and is very helpful with digestion. It also buffers the acid in the mouth. Chewing Xylitol gum and mints are very helpful in reducing cavities and preventing plaque build-up. Xylitol is the only "sweetener" that has been proven to be safe and actually reduces cavities and other diseases. It relieves a dry mouth, reduces infections and promotes remineralization in the enamel of the teeth.
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruits, as well as in corn-cobs and various hardwood trees like birch. It is a natural substance in the glucose metabolism of humans. Our bodies recognize xylitol and it is non-toxic when compared to other artificial sweeteners.
Xylitol:
- Prevents plaque build-up and dental cavities by 80%
- Reduces 90% of acid-producing bacteria. Pop, diet pop and energy drinks have a very acidic pH ranging from 2.5-3.5 (battery acid is 1pH) and these drinks have 3-12 teaspoons of sugar in one can or bottle
- Reduces sugar cravings by stabilizing blood sugars, and has a low glycemic index
- Increases saliva production and protects saliva proteins
- Helps in re-mineralization of tooth enamel
- Helps to reduce acidity and alkalizes the mouth and digestion
- Increases absorption of B vitamins and calcium
- Prevents middle-ear infections, infections in the mouth
- Daily dosage can be determined by risk factors such as weight, history of cavities, saliva pH, talk to your dental hygienist and dentist
- Warning: keep away from dogs
- Cooking and baking with xylitol sugar should be a gradual process as xylitol can act like fiber and cause digestive issues
- Great for pregnant women especially during the last trimester
- Beneficial for athletes who consume energy drinks (acidic pH)