Substitute Sugar for Xylitol This Holiday Season

October 18, 2013

xylitolAs Halloween and the rest of this year’s holidays get closer, the temptation to indulge in a variety of treats will grow. But sugar, as you know, can negatively affect your oral health.

In today’s post, we want to explain how sugar can cause cavities and let you know about an alternative to sugar that will let you enjoy all of your favorite holiday goodies.

How Sugar Damages Your Smile?

For as long as you’ve been going to the dentist, you’ve been told that sugar is bad for your teeth. But why is that? It’s because of how sugar interacts with your teeth.

When certain bacteria in the mouth come into contact with sugar, a feeding frenzy ensues, leading to the creation of acid. This acid makes it easier for bacteria to cling to teeth and it also weakens tooth enamel, creating cavities.

Xylitol—A Natural Substitute to Sugar

Thankfully, you don’t have to give up on your favorite treats this holiday season. With xylitol, a natural sweetener, you can still enjoy your favorite goodies. That’s because xylitol doesn’t interact with your teeth the way sugar does.

Instead of sparking the production of acid, xylitol creates a neutral environment, in which bacteria have a hard time sticking to teeth. With fewer bacteria in your mouth, you have a decreased chance of developing cavities.

Candy sweetened with xylitol can be found online and in natural food stores. Xylitol can also be used for baking, with a substitution ratio of 1:1.

Do you want to learn more about xylitol and how it can benefit your smile? Call Westside Dental Associates today for an appointment. Dr. Les Latner serves patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA and Mar Vista.

Xylitol: A Sweetener that Will Actually Help Your Smile

July 9, 2013

xylitolDentists are always encouraging their patients to avoid sweets and eat healthy foods, but there’s one sweetener that’s actually good for your smile—xylitol.

Xylitol is derived from the fibers of plants and promotes a neutral pH when consumed. Compare that to what happens with normal sugar. When bacteria in the mouth come into contact with sugar, a feeding frenzy ensues, resulting in the production of harmful acid. But bacteria don’t interact with xylitol the way they do with sugar. In fact, xylitol makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to teeth, resulting in an overall reduction of bacteria in the mouth.

The benefits of xylitol don’t stop there, though. This natural sweetener has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbs. What’s more, it doesn’t raise blood sugar the way normal sugar does, making it a great substitute for patients with diabetes.

Enjoy Guilt-Free Treats!

Look for treats sweetened with xylitol at your nearest grocery store, especially if they specialize in natural foods. You can also find products like Xlear and Ice Chips online. And for patients who want to brush with toothpaste that contains xylitol, look for products by Tom’s of Maine, among others, in your nearest pharmacy or grocery store.

Do you have questions about xylitol? Call Westside Dental Associates with your questions. Dr. Latner would be happy to talk to you about the benefits of xylitol, in addition to completing a regular exam and cleaning. We provide great services to patients from Los AngelesSanta MonicaBeverly HillsWest LAMar Vista, and beyond.

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