Anyone try xylitol for cavity prevention?

United States
August 10, 2010 11:49am CST
We were just at the dentist this morning & of course more news about cavities... *sigh* But the hygentist said maybe trying something like Xylitol would help deter some of the cavities we get, especailly since we have well water witch doesn't have flouride added to it like city water does. So I thought I would as if anyone has tried this? how does it taste? flavors? I know it's on the pricey side she said.
1 person likes this
7 responses
@PDBME2 (1014)
• United States
10 Aug 10
I think Xylitol can be found in some chewing gum. I have gum that has Xylitol in it but I haven't found it to be any better when it comes to dental checkups. There are mouth washes that contain fluoride in them have you tried to check those out?
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Aug 10
I was thinking since it came in gum form it may be better than using the kids oral rinse as far as safety goes with them. The kids do ok with the rinses, but they waste alot of it so I have to monitor it quite a bit.
@Thorin (8)
• Taiwan
10 Aug 10
You could buy gum containing Xylitol, Airwaves, Trident and most other brands have it. Xylitol gum is no more expensive than other gum but it is important to chew it after meals to lower the pH in your mouth. You could also buy Xylitol as an artificial sweetener. Xylitol toothpaste is also available but I would recommend fluoride toothpaste to harden your teeth.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (158154)
• United States
11 Aug 10
You can get sugarless gum sweetened with xylitol, I believe. Trident used to be. Good news for gum chewers.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
11 Aug 10
I have heard that a few years ago and my boys were still in the gum-chewing stage so I made them chew only that. Hardly any cavities! I haven't had cavities for years, ever since I started flossing my teeth religiously and brushing at least twice a day. In fact, I have little brushes to reach between the teeth here at my desk and when I'm waiting for inspiration or a download or just reading, I clean between my teeth that way. But Xylitol does work, apparently.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
11 Aug 10
3 SnuggleBunnies I have used xyliol chewing gum for years and my teeth are fine..I cannot use most of the toothpastes as they are usually flavored with very strong mint that is imitation and I am allergic to the stuff. so I just chew xylitol gum pleasant flavors and my teeth are fine.It is no more expensive than any other gum and better for your teeth too.
@savypat (20216)
• United States
10 Aug 10
I have a problem with dry mouth and chew gum with Xylitol all the time. It does help keep my teeth healthy. We have well water and I just use tooth paste with flouride, you don't really need more than that. In fact flouride can have some harmful effects.
• United States
12 Aug 10
We have well water wich is why I"m sure we've been plagued by cavities in our house. I know I have had more than my fair share of fillings.
@elmiko (6630)
• United States
11 Aug 10
i've heard of Xylitol gum for oral health. one of my family members was asked if she drank well water due to how bad her teeth were. she had an enamel defect though. i try to stick with tap water due to the benefits of fluoride for the teeth. i've always thought buying bottled water was a rip-off. people say they can taste the difference but i can't really tell good enough to want to buy bottled water.