I’m Richard Kernagis DMD of Your Time Dental Urgent Care in Gibsonton. My patients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular dental exams.
Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth.
Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated that xylitol prevents the growth of the bacteria that initiates cavities. It also lessens plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.
Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For my patients that cope with frequent dry mouth, I recommend xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production while protecting against cavities.
Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your family dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.
At Your Time Dental Urgent Care, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental issues before they start. If you postpone dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the dilemma was caught earlier.
Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at 813-519-0128 to book an appointment. Our comfortable team is waiting to take care of all your dental needs.
Contact Your Time Dental Urgent Care:
Locations: (Tap to open in Google Maps):
South Shore – Gibsonton
13145 Kings Lake Drive Ste 105B Gibsonton, FL 33534 Call: 813-519-0128
FishHawk – Lithia
5486 Lithia Pinecrest Rd, Ste B Lithia, FL 33547 Call: 813-519-0128
