Xylitol and Teeth

Xylitol has become quite popular in the dental industry and for good reason – it protects your teeth and prevents cavities. Simply put, xylitol is an all-natural sweetener similar to sugar that wreaks havoc on bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol stops tooth-eating acid attacks in their tracks and less acid means healthier teeth and a healthier smile overall. Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS encourages the use of xylitol, because of its unique and clinically proven dental benefits.

Unlike sucrose, (regular table sugar), the main culprit associated with tooth decay, xylitol is not broken down by the most prominent decay-causing bacteria, to produce acid. When used appropriately, xylitol starves these particular bacteria to the point where it is almost like removing sugar from your diet completely. Xylitol is equal in sweetness and volume to sugar and can be consumed through chewing gum, candies, and dental products. The result is a healthy smile that you can be proud of.

If you have further questions about the dental benefits of xylitol, please give us a call. To learn more about our services we provide at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS here in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213. 

Gum Chewing: Helpful or Harmful?

Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS, wants you to know that when it comes to chewing gum, it’s the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it’s helpful or harmful to your teeth. The chewing of sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva, which washes away food and other debris, neutralizes acids produced by bacteria in the mouth and provides disease-fighting substances throughout the mouth.

For most people, chewing sugar-free gum (especially gum sweetened with xylitol) can be a good preventive measure in situations when tooth brushing and flossing aren’t practical. It’s important to remember that sugar free or not, chewing gum should never replace good dental hygiene practices. Next time you are walking through the sweets aisle, look for chewing gum with the ADA Seal because you can be sure it’s sugarless. All gums with the ADA Seal are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol.

If you have questions about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.