eTopical Precious Finds
By Julie Seager
A smile is an important tool for all of us. Smiling is linked to happiness, reduced stress, endorphins, and even lower blood pressure. Dental health goes even deeper than that––children with oral health issues can struggle with speech delays, difficulty eating and sleeping, poor academic performance, inhibited social skills and even heart disease later in life.
According to the CDC, more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a cavity in their baby teeth. Tooth decay affects significantly more kids than obesity or asthma. In fact, it is the most prevalent childhood chronic disease. Untreated, tooth decay can affect permanent teeth, and cause issues that follow a child into adulthood.
Not all of these problems are easily solved, of course, but what if there was a single ingredient consumers could use to reduce cavity-causing bacteria and support the enamel strengthening effects of fluoride?
That ingredient––Xylitol––does exist, and it has the potential to help millions of people improve their oral health even if they can’t get to the dentist regularly.
Understanding Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. Unlike traditional sugars, xylitol is not fermented by oral bacteria, so it doesn’t cause cavities. Its sweet taste makes it a popular alternative in various products such as sweets, chewing gum, candies, and toothpaste. Originating from birch wood in Finland in the late 19th century, xylitol has gained recognition for its dental benefits and has been extensively studied for its effectiveness in preventing dental caries. With its unique properties and long history of use, xylitol presents a compelling avenue for improving oral health outcomes across diverse populations.
Not only is xylitol a sweet ingredient that doesn’t cause cavities, it can actively improve dental health due to several unique properties. For example, Xylitol:
- Inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a primary bacteria responsible for dental caries.
- Stimulates saliva production, washing away food particles and neutralizing acids.
- Is safe for diabetics
- Decreases plaque formation, making it a valuable ally in preventive dental care.
Peer-reviewed scientific research backs up the efficacy of xylitol. A 2021 study from The Journal of Dentistry found that xylitol, combined with fluoride and trimetaphosphate, helped to strengthen tooth enamel 33% more than fluoride on its own. Another study published in the International Journal of Oral Biology showed that xylitol slowed the growth of bacteria which causes periodontitis, a severe gum infection that harms the soft tissue surrounding teeth. Biofilm, a matrix of bacteria also known as bacterial plaque, can also be inhibited by xylitol, with no apparent effect on the beneficial bacterias found in the mouth. There have been dozens of other studies showcasing the benefits of xylitol on oral health, dating at least back to the 1970s.
Potential Impact on Children
Ideally, children visit the dentist sometime around their first birthday, with follow up visits twice each year after that. The unfortunate reality is that not all children receive this level of dental care. Financial constraints, a shortage of providers, fear of the dentist, or simply the overwhelm of modern parenting and crowded schedules can all mean that kids miss check ups.
Additionally, any number of things could make it difficult for kids to care for their teeth.
Sensory issues may prevent some kids from brushing as well as they should or flossing. Children with attention difficulties or hyperactivity may have trouble focusing on teeth cleaning tasks, leading to inconsistent or incomplete oral hygiene practices. Others may lack proper examples of dental care, or a strong support system. All of these factors (and more) make it difficult for children to build a strong foundation of good oral health habits.
Overcoming these challenges will not happen overnight. While we work as a society to Improve access to dental care and better educate kids about the importance of taking care of their teeth, finding simple solutions such as the integration of xylitol into everyday routines can make a big impact on long-term oral health.
Since it has a pleasant taste and can be included in products we use often such as gum or toothpaste, incorporating xylitol into a community is remarkably straightforward.
For example, Spry Gum, produced by Xlear, Inc., comes in a variety of flavors that kids love. Switching out regular toothpaste with a xylitol-based version makes the most out of every brushing. Obviously, regular dental cleanings are best, but using Xylitol could make a huge impact for those in between times.
Not only are Xylitol products simple to use, because they are packaged within regular consumer goods, they are easily integrated into existing community programs. Gum or toothpaste can be dispensed by schools, dental offices and social services such as WIC or EBT.
Where Do We Go From Here?
As we continue to confront the oral health challenges faced by kids, it’s crucial to consider comprehensive solutions that address both access to dental care and preventive measures. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations all play pivotal roles in this endeavor.
Recommendations for Policymakers:
- Advocate for policies that expand access to affordable dental care, including Medicaid coverage for comprehensive dental services and incentives for dental providers to serve remote areas.
- Support initiatives that integrate oral health education and preventive measures, such as xylitol use, into public health programs.
- Allocate resources for research and pilot programs to evaluate the effectiveness of xylitol-based interventions in improving oral health outcomes.
Recommendations for Healthcare Providers:
- Incorporate education about the benefits of xylitol into patient consultations.
- Collaborate with community organizations to distribute xylitol-containing products to children, and promote oral health awareness.
- Advocate for policies that prioritize preventive dental care within healthcare systems.
Recommendations for Community Organizations:
- Integrate xylitol into existing community programs, such as school health initiatives and food assistance programs like WIC or EBT, to make it easily accessible.
- Provide education and resources on proper oral hygiene practices to empower individuals and families to take control of their oral health.
- Collaborate with local dental providers and policymakers to address systemic barriers to dental care access and advocate for solutions that prioritize oral health equity.
By integrating xylitol into community programs and advocating for comprehensive oral health policies, we can work towards a future with less tooth decay, so everyone has the chance to have healthy teeth and be proud of their smile.
Julie Seager, RDH BSDH, is the Western Regional Education Manager for Xlear, Inc. and was formerly a practicing dental hygienist in Northern California. Julie draws on more than 25 years in the dental industry to help educate audiences on the benefits of xylitol, nasal breathing and airway health. She has been featured in numerous publications including Dental Sleep Practice Magazine and WholeFoods Magazine, and has presented at AAOSH, DentalCON, CDHA San Diego, and the NM Dental Hygienists’ Association, among others. Julie holds a BS in Dental Hygiene from Loma Linda University.
