Sugar Substitute Reduces Risk for Dental Cavities

Swedish researchers completed a study that found Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute has the ability to reduce bacteria that leads to dental cavities. In order to prevent cavities between teeth a relatively high intake would need to be available in order to reduce the acid production between the teeth. Pernilla Lif Holgerson will present her study at the at Umeå University in Sweden on February 23rd.

Xylitol in previous studies have shown reduction in cavities. You can purchase special chewing gum and candy with Xylitol as an ingredient. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol made sugar xylose also refered to as wood sugar. Xylitol is found naturally in fruits and berries such as pears and strawberries.

A series of studies of children and adolescents measured saliva samples for plaque. The studies found that 3.4 grams of xylitol consistently changed the bacteria levels. I did not however, reduce the amount of lactic acid in plaque. Another study found that a single higher dose of xylitol was able to reduce the acidity in the plaque in between the teeth.

In one study they gave 128 children ranging in age from 7 – 12 chewing gum with xylitol. They were instructed to chew a new stick of this xylitol chewing gum three times a day for a total daily dosage of 6.0 grams in one day. Initially, the amount of plaque and the production of lactic acid was reduced dramatically during the trial period. Over a four week time period, the cavity causing bacteria went down by around one-third. Six months later the values returned to the original levels. There were no side-effects reported from the xylitol.

The study concludes that xylitol can be beneficial and recommends the following:

If a person is at high risk for tooth decay they should supplement with a daily intake of xylitol.

Choose xylitol products that stimulate saliva secretion. They recommend xylitol chewing gum as the best method to introduce xyitol into the mouth.

You would need 6 grams of xylitol per day to cancel the production of acid which in turn will reduce the risk of cavities.

For optimal results, deliver the xylitol three times a day, instead of at one sitting.

The chewing gum or xylitol product should contain as much xylitol as possible and not be mixed with other sugars.

Xylitol is available as a sugar substitute sweetener at health and nutrition stores, as well as online. Xylitol chewing gum is available mostly online at this time. In the future, you might see it at health and nutrition stores.

Source: Xylitol Sugar Substitute Reduces Risk for Dental Cavities in Children

Previous Posts:
Advanced Tooth Decay Detection Technology
Dental Implants in Just One Hour
Dentist Website Marketing & Dental Web Designing
Family Dentistry & Regular Dental Checkup
Tips To Maintain Dental Implants

Tips To Maintain Dental Implants

Dental implants are an ideal solution if you are missing a tooth. Unlike dentures and partial dentures, dental implants look and function just like you normal teeth. They are anchored directly to your jawbone, just like natural teeth, and must be cared for like natural teeth. These restorations need to be cleaned regularly, as their long-term success depends on how well you maintain your dental implants.

Proper Care:
Because dental visits are essential, you should work with your implant dentist to develop a regular visitation program to meet your individual needs and to ensure the optimum health of your restorations and surrounding natural teeth.

If your gums and teeth are not properly cleaned and flossed, periodontal disease can develop. If this condition is left alone, the result can be weakened supporting structures and tooth loss in addition to the loss of your dental implants.

Here are some tips to maintain the health of your dental restorations:

• At-home care: Brushing and flossing daily is essential so that your dental implants will remain healthy. There are a variety of supplemental products that allow you to clean your implants properly.
• Toothbrush: It may be in your best interest to get an electric tooth brush for a more complete cleaning. A toothbrush with a bent handle to access those hard-to-reach places can also give you a more thorough cleaning.
• Brushing technique: If you have a removable prosthesis that attaches to your dental implant, once your remove the prosthesis, be sure to brush around your gums and implant and floss thoroughly. If you have a fixed prosthesis, brush the restoration as you would your normal teeth and floss from the front, sides and back. Whether you use a regular bristle brush or an electric toothbrush, you should practice your brushing techniques with your dentist, to ensure that you are cleaning the implant area correctly.
• Floss threaders: It is also a good idea to pick up some floss threaders. These are very helpful because they allow you to reach around your implants and floss in hard-to-reach areas. Special types of floss are also available, such as floss with a foam coating that cleans around your gums, implants and prosthetic teeth. Be sure to discuss these options with your dentist.
• Additional brushes: Small dental brushes known as "proxy brushes," or interdental brushes are designed to clean in between your teeth and dental implants. While it is not meant to replace your other toothbrush or your floss, the special brush can help clean areas that the other tools may miss.
• Toothpaste: Because toothpastes are designed for natural teeth, they contain fluoride. While this ingredient will not harm your implants, you should be sure to read all ingredients carefully. Toothpastes that contain baking soda or abrasive stain removers and those designed for smokers can remove the glaze on porcelain restorations.
• Mouthwash: Many mouth rinses on the market are designed to give you a fresh- breath feeling. However, alcohol is used to create this and can lead to dry mouth. If you have the tendency toward a dry mouth, you should use an alcohol-free mouth rinse.
• Regular dental visits: You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. But after having dental implants placed, it may be a good idea to see your dentist every three months to thoroughly clean your implants and ensure that there are not any problems. Your specific dental visit program will be discussed and determined after your implants are placed.

Source: Maintaining Your Dental Implants

Previous Posts:
About Different Types of Teeth Fillings
Bad Breath Causes & Treatment
Dental Website Markeing & Dentist Web Design
Get Perfect Smile For Adult Orthodontics
Reality & Facts About Teeth Whitening Products

Teeth Whitening Treatment Guide

Latest Dental News: Prosthodontics

Teeth Whitening is one of the easiest ways to improve the overall look of your smile. Once the preserve of movie stars, it is now both affordable and readily available, and there are quite a few options to choose from.

Modern teeth whitening methods are so effective, that almost anyone can get their teeth whitened to a significant degree of brightness, and many treatments can be completed in one visit to the dentist.

What is Tooth Whitening?

Tooth Whitening is the process used to improve the brightness of the teeth, which is achieved by removing as much staining as possible. The techniques used range from natural home remedies to chemical and laser teeth whitening methods performed by cosmetic dentists.

The constant build up of organic pigments on the teeth can cause them to discolour over a period of time. These protein pigments derive from the different kinds of food, drink, tobacco and even antibiotics people consume over the years, and cause the natural whiteness of their teeth to be gradually diminished.

The yellowing of the teeth is also a part of the ageing process, and is determined to some extent by genetic and dietary factors. Some people just have naturally brighter enamel than others.

What different types exist?

There are quite a few options available to choose from. Most artificial methods rely on some form of peroxide to remove stains and bleach your teeth white.

When peroxide compounds are used, oxygen is released and bleaches the pigmented substances present in the enamel the teeth. This method restores the natural colour of the teeth without corroding the surface enamel.

Teeth whitening procedures can be performed at a dentist's office, or in the comfort of your own home. Here are some of the popular techniques.

Whitening Toothpastes Whitening toothpastes contain certain mildly abrasive components which help scrub away the surface stains, and leave teeth looking cleaner and whiter. They don't however have a bleaching action. Whitening toothpastes are generally not as effective as other methods of teeth whitening.

Whitening Strips Teeth whitening strips come in the form of a sticky tape that may be directly applied across the front the teeth. They contain a bleaching solution that incorporates a peroxide compound, and are usually used twice a day for about half an hour each time. Teeth whitening strips may be bought over-the-counter as well as from your dentist.

Whitening Gels Teeth whitening gels are also peroxide based, and they are applied over the teeth with a small brush. Self application gel kits are available that can be used at home. The kit usually comes with a peroxide gel-filled mouth tray that is fitted to your teeth. They are simple to use, reasonably affordable, and effective.

Whitening procedures at the Dentist's Office

A cosmetic dentist can perform this procedure, which involves the direct application of a gel to the teeth under controlled heating, or with the help of a special light or laser, or even a combination of the three.

The procedure will typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and sometimes requires more than one sitting to be properly effective. This procedure will give you quick results, and will be correspondingly more expensive when compared with the home whitening kit.

Gel Treatment under Dental Supervision

This is one of the more popular methods of teeth whitening, and can be slightly more affordable when compared to the procedure performed by a cosmetic dentist.

A custom-made tooth tray containing carbamide peroxide gel is be provided. This is considered to be more effective than treatment using hydrogen peroxide, and reaches virtually every contour of teeth, rendering them as white as possible.

The method of usage is similar to that of a teeth whitening gel kit, and the tray supplied can be reused later as and when required.

How safe are Tooth whitening methods?

A vast body of research has been done on the efficacy and safety aspects of the teeth whitening methods that are in use today, and they have been reported to be quite safe. Modern techniques rarely give rise to sensitive gums or other side effects, and qualified dentists are quite emphatic that tooth whitening is one of the safest cosmetic dental procedures available.

The effects of tooth whitening typically last for one to two years, and sometimes longer depending on your dental hygiene and dietary habits

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The costs can vary depending upon location and the type of whitening treatment selected.

Teeth whitening toothpastes are priced at £4.50 to £14.50 for a tube of 4.2oz. They contain a protein pellicle to which plaque, stains and bacteria adhere and get eliminated while rinsing.

A tooth whitening gel kit is usually priced at around £100.

Teeth whitening and teeth bleaching procedures cost around about £250 on average.

When having the whitening treatment performed by a cosmetic dentist, the cost depends upon the number of sittings required to get the teeth whitened to a significant degree. Most often, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a teeth whitening procedure.

Source: Teeth Whitening - A Consumer's Guide

Previous Posts:
Beautiful Smile with Perfect White Teeth
Cosmetic Dentist offers Brighten Smile
Cosmetic Dentistry Glasgow
Cosmetic Surgery: Achieve Natural Look