Can Xylitol Help Reduce Cavities?

We believe a healthy smile is an important part of your overall well-being. Our team provides personalized dental care in a welcoming environment, helping you feel comfortable, confident, and supported at every step of your dental journey.

Book your visit

  
      In this page
      
    Progress0%

Tooth decay is a common, yet preventable childhood problem. Left untreated, cavities in primary (baby) and permanent (adult) teeth become painful and negatively impact the esthetics and functionality of the teeth.

Some children are particularly susceptible to tooth decay, even after receiving regular dental examinations and oral care at home. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has recently recognized the benefits of a substance called Xylitol for reducing childhood tooth decay.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural substance that can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. Some of the most common Xylitol- rich foods include: berries, mushrooms, corns, and lettuces. Study results indicate that 4-20 grams of Xylitol each day, divided into three or more helpings, can reduce tooth decay and cavities by as much as 70%. As a point of reference, a single cup of berries contains a little less than one gram of Xylitol.

It can be difficult to encourage children (especially toddlers) to consistently eat four or more cups of fruit or vegetables each day. For this reason, Xylitol is also available as a sugar substitute, a gum, and as a concentrate in numerous health foods. No other sugar substitute has been shown to benefit young teeth in the same way.

It should be noted that excessive Xylitol consumption does not provide “more” tooth protection. Sticking to the recommended daily amount is enough to enhance other cavity-reduction efforts, and the effects will last well into the future.

How does Xylitol work?

The combination of many factors increases susceptibility to childhood tooth decay and cavities. These factors include: oral care habits, diet, carbohydrate consumption, sucrose consumption, salivary flow rate, and tooth resistance to plaque.

More specifically, harmful oral bacteria feed on sugars and carbohydrates, producing acids. When sugary foods are consumed, these acids attack and destroy vulnerable tooth enamel. Xylitol works to neutralize the acids, reducing enamel destruction, and minimizing the threat of cavities in the process. Xylitol also stimulates saliva production, meaning that food particles, plaque and bacteria are continually removed from the teeth.

When should my child start using Xylitol?

Although Xylitol gum is not suitable for very young children, infants actually benefit from maternal chewing! Mothers of children between three months and two years old who used Xylitol gum several times each day, protected their child from tooth decay until the age of five years old. In this case, Xylitol reduced the amount of microorganisms transmitted from mother to child.

Once the child reaches toddlerhood, Xylitol can be consumed as a sugar substitute, or as a natural byproduct of eating fruit and vegetables. Older children can reduce the threat of new cavities by chewing Xylitol gum.

If you have questions or concerns about Xylitol or tooth decay, please contact our practice.

Our Reviews

What Our Patients Say

From first visit to lasting results, our patients share what it's like to receive personalized, holistic dental care at Stunning Smiles in Santa Rosa.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 136 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Deck Julio 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The experience of getting dental implants with Dr. Attri was life changing. he was very informative and didn't upset me at all during the treatment and afterwards checked on my healing progress. The implants are so similar to my own teeth that I can eat and smile with confidence once again. Thanks to his well-thought-out strategy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vickie Miles 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was treated for a gum disease and was treated well during the entire treatment. The dentist informed me the reason for the problem and provided me with very clear instructions on how to take better care of my gums at home. It was done with great care and I have seen a definite difference since then.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Patti Barrett 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dentist! On vacation & had the bonded plug over the screw head of my implant come out, after having it installed by my dentist less than a month ago. I arrived as a walk-in when they opened & the dentist fixed it right away. The office staff was super nice & chill. The dentist was gentle & caring. The office was clean & welcoming. Not the vacation excursion I was expecting but still a pleasant experience. I was so appreciative of them fitting me in for the repair.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alyssa 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been coming here since last year when I moved to the area, and wanted to find a holistic dentist. Dr. Attri is amazing! He fixed a lot of dental issues I’d been having and truly changed my smile. He’s also incredibly kind and caring. All of the staff are so wonderful too. I couldn’t recommend enough
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Don Weaver 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was referred to Dr. Attri from my naturopathic doctor friends in Santa Rosa, and in my few interactions with him so far, I’ve found him to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I recently had my first “major” work done with him, which was getting a precise impression for a crown to place over an implant, then having him fit the crown. As far as I can tell, he did it all perfectly, and my chronic jaw pain (from not having a matching back molar on the left side) has subsided greatly. I chose Dr. Attri for this work both because I think he is very trustworthy and competent, and also because his price for a crown was very helpfully lower than what my other outstanding dentist in Berkeley was going to charge. I am grateful to have found Dr. Attri and his Stunning Smiles practice in Santa Rosa and, from experience to date, I recommend him.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Amy Breckenridge 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri and his staff are professional, kind and knowledgeable.  Best care in Santa Rosa, Ca.  If you have any fears , Dr. Attri and staff will put your mind to rest!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nancy Lazark 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am happy to write a review for Dr. Attri. I find him to be very gentle and thorough. I have had quite a lot of work done in the past year and he is satisfied when everything is perfect. I have had caps replaced a night guard made and several other procedures done. I can highly recommend him
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Haakon Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Happy to have a good dentist in Dr. Attri! I have always felt in good hands with him and his team. The few times I have had questions or concerns, he has been very able to talk with me, adjust as needed, and make sure I leave the office satisfied. Look no further for your local holistic dentist!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andrew Harrison 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Attri is the real deal. He explains everything very well, is very patient and kind, and has a gentle hand compared to dentists I've had in the past. You won't regret coming here for dental care