Can Xylitol gums reduce the risk of cavities?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the benefits of Xylitol on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs. Studies have shown that use of XYLITOL GUM by mothers (2-3 times per day) starting during pregnancy and until the child was 2 years old, can reduce cavities up to 60% in children by the time the children are 5 years old. Studies using Xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have been shown to slow down existing dental caries. The effects in many cases persisted years after the trials have been completed. Xylitol can be found in gum and in natural food. Natural sources include fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains a little less than one gram of Xylitol. To be therapeutically effective, Xylitol-containing gums should be chewed 3 times a day, each time for a minimum of 5 minutes. The gums should provide at least 6 grams of Xyli