Xylitol wipes away tooth decay

Mothers can significantly reduce caries in their babies by wiping their mouths with wipes impregnated with xylitol, researchers reported here at the International Association of Dental Research 89th General Session and Exhibition. Evidence is growing that xylitol can fight caries, but exactly how this sugar alcohol affects the disease isn't well understood. Whereas older children and adults can chew xylitol gum, these very young children can't, so researchers are exploring the use of xylitol wipes. In their study, researchers assigned each mother to wipe her child's mouth 3 times a day with wipes which deliver 5.4 mg of xylitol, or a placebo. Examiners counted the number of surfaces with carious lesions and collected saliva samples at baseline, 6 months, and 1 year. After 1 year, there was a significant difference in the mean number of new decayed surfaces between the xylitol group and the placebo group.

Steve - xylitol can be used in moderation as a sugar substitute. Most xylitol is made from corn, so yf you have an intolerance to with corn, Emerald Forest brand makes Xylitol packets and Xylichew brand makes chewing gum derived from hypoallergenic birch bark. Xylitol shoudl be consumed in moderation because if over-consumed, it can cause loose stools.