Sugar-Free Products May be Harmful

[drsushant]

New research shows that sugar-free gum, soft drinks and other sugarless products may not be as beneficial as first thought.

These products could actually damage teeth, cause gastric problems, or may not even promote weight loss as was originally thought. The reason for these problems stems from the acidic additives in the products that can erode the tooth enamel.

These products were assumed to be beneficial to consumers but these new findings will put a dent in that reputation. The study, which was published in the British Dental Journal, analyzed the impact of the materials used to take the place of sugar. Despite the reduced risk for cavities, these additives can result in acidity in the mouth that wouldn’t have otherwise been present.

Xylitol and sorbitol are two of the bigger additives used in consumable products like gum and these substances could be causing some of these issues.

The problem now will be instilling upon people the idea that just because something is sugar-free doesn’t necessarily mean there are no possible health risks associated with the product.

If these findings are proven to be completely accurate, then there may be no health benefit when comparing these sugar-based products and sugar-free products. However, at this point, people should just be aware that it’s possible for sugar-free products to adversely affect one’s oral health.

        

[Anonymous]

Sugar is essential content irrespective of the amount of sugar has in blood

the proper functioning of all cells in the body do require sugar

        

[drmithila]

 A study investigated the effects of xylitol on mutans streptococci in an in vitro 6-species oral biofilm model. Each biofilm contained one of the following: a laboratory reference strain, a fresh isolate, a xylitol-sensitive, or a xylitol-resistant strain of mutans streptococci or Streptococcus sobrinus. The biofilms were grown on hydroxyapatite discs which were pellicle-coated, and were fed with a medium supplemented with glucose/sucrose medium 3 times per day for 45 minutes; between feedings, the biofilms were incubated in saliva. Before or after feeding, biofilms were exposed to either 7.5% xylitol, 7.5% sorbitol or to the control (saliva) for 20 minutes. After 64.5 hours, biofilms were harvested and the microbial composition was analyzed by nonselective and selective culturing. Variability among the strains in terms of their ability to colonize biofilms was observed. Yet, the response patterns in the biofilms to the 4-polyol treatments were similar. None of the mutans streptococci were inhibited by xylitol provided either before or after feeding. Sorbitol given before feeding did not affect microbial growth whereas sorbitol provided after feeding showed a slight, although statistically significant, increase in mutans streptococci counts for some of the tested strains. This occurred at the expense of Streptococcus oralis, which decreased in numbers. The study concluded that the present findings do not support the claims that xylitol reduces mutans streptococci in plaque by futile metabolic cycles.

        

[Drsumitra]

 Daily use of xylitol in dental has shown remarkable effectiveness. Xylitol’s noncariogenic five-carbon structure keeps it from being metabolized by bacteria, stopping the production of tooth-decay causing acid. By chewing gum containing at least one gram of xylitol, bacteria is prevented from creating the acids that damage the teeth. Regular use of Xylitol gum prevents plaque from gaining hold on dental surfaces. Hence, it protects the mouth between brushing and flossing for both adults and children.

Xylitol enhances the remineralization of teeth, particularly in small decay spots just developing in the tooth enamel. Bacteria are unable to produce acid in the presence of xylitol and as a result the plaque pH does not decrease. The stable pH prevents demineralization, and hardens the lining of the cavities making untreated cavities less sensitive. This was clearly demonstrated in the study done in Belize on school children. In a 1980’s double blind study, 1,277 school children chewed gum several times a day. Some were given ordinary gum sweetened with sucrose; others were given gum sweetened with sorbitol or xylitol. After 40 months of gum chewing (including weekends, holidays, and vacations) the xylitol group experience 73% fewer caries, sorbitol group a reduction of 26%, and an increase of 120% of caries in the sucrose group. Xylitol’s naturally cooling and sweet tastes also increase salivary flow, which optimizes the pH level in the mouth further promoting dental health

Streptococccus mutans (S. mutans), is known to increase acid in the mouth, as they produce an acidic environment, additional acid-loving microorganisms have a selective survival advantage and exponential cause more damage. However, if the acid in dental plaque is kept low, then demineralization is slowed. Since xylitol slows demineralization and enables some rebuilding of the enamel, it assists in the prevention of new cavities from forming and over time can reverse tooth decay that already occurred. Studies have shown that taking in xylitol five times per day is very effective at preventing caries.

The evidence of xylitol’s healthful benefits is difficult to dismiss or take lightly. With its sweetness, low glycemic index, and multifaceted benefits continue to make xylitol more appealing. Since patient compliance has an extensive impact on costs and strategies for dental care, all dentists should find something to smile about when it comes to xylitol. Xylitol is widely available in health food stores in a variety of forms such as candy, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, gums, mints, and as a bulk sweetener.

        

[Drsumitra]

  it is a 100% natural product, a sweetener that occurs naturally. It can be found in berries, fruit, vegetables and mushrooms. It also occurs naturally in our bodies – in fact, an average size adult manufactures up to 15 grams of xylitol daily during normal metabolism.

Pure xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a polyol or sugar alcohol; however, xylitol is considered a “sugar-free” sweetener.

In addition, some xylitol products contain ingredients, fillers or other sweeteners that are not natural. These are not recommended for those seeking the benefits of an all-natural product like xylitol.

Is xylitol safe?

Absolutely! In 1983, a joint expert committee of the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations confirmed that xylitol is a safe sweetener for foods. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also confirmed this fact in 1986.

Can diabetics use xylitol?

The body does not require insulin to metabolize xylitol. For this reason polyols like xylitol produce a lower glycemic response than sucrose or glucose. This has made xylitol a widely used sweetener for the diabetic diet in some countries. If you do have diabetes, however, it’s important to consult your doctor or diet professional before incorporating xylitol into your daily diet.

Why does xylitol help protect teeth from cavities?

Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, causing them to multiply rapidly. This metabolic process produces acids that cause cavities to begin to form. When you use xylitol gum or mints, the acid attack that would otherwise last for over half an hour is stopped. Because the bacteria in the mouth causing caries are unable to ferment xylitol in their metabolism, their growth is reduced. The number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%. Since no acid is formed, the pH of saliva does not fall.

How long does the protection last?

Studies show the xylitol effect on teeth is long-lasting and possibly permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been completed. In addition to starving harmful bacteria of their food source, use of xylitol raises the pH of saliva in the mouth. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to precipitate into those parts of enamel where they are lacking. For this reason, use of xylitol has demonstrated not only a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, it also has shown the arrest and even some reversal of existing dental caries.

        

[Drsumitra]

Disadvantages

• Is not shown to help promote weight loss.
• Is only FDA-approved to prevent tooth decay.
• Is only seen in gum because it often interacts negatively with yeast and other products, preventing its use in baking goods.

        

[drmithila]

 

        

[drmithila]

 Tooth decay is a major problem for teenagers in Ireland.

Recent information indicates that the tooth decay for teenagers there ranks among the highest in Europe. This is a major problem based on the fact that teenagers have double the chance of developing permanent decay in Ireland when compared to other countries.

The problem is compounded for teenagers in low-income areas, whereas teenagers in more affluent locations visit their dentists more often.

The British Dental Association has put together a plan that would help fix this problem. In the five years since this plan was created, however, nothing has been done to implement it.

One issue is that dentists are not paid to provide preventive treatments, which is a major flaw in the way the dental insurance is set up. Preventive treatment is the best way for the patient to save money because it will prevent possible problems in the future.

New measures are essential in order for this trend to be reversed.

Still, schools are improving the measures taken to ensure good oral health among students, according to the Department of Health.

        

[drmithila]

There are two substances in licorice that may be extremely beneficial to dentistry.

The substances, which happen to be used in Chinese medicine, kill the bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease. A study from theJournal of Natural Products states that they could successfully treat dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

The dried root that comes from the licorice is what does the trick, according to the studies. It will be great for people in China since it’s a common substance in many forms of medicine. In the United States, however, the dried licorice root has been replaced by anise oil, something that is said to have to a similar tasteIn the past, dried licorice has been used to treat many health issues, such as respiratory and digestive problems. According to some modern science, however, it’s unclear if the licorice actually works, and it may clash with other prescriptions or cause unwanted side effects.

Researchers wanted to analyze all aspects of the substances in the dried licorice to determine what factor is capable of killing bacteria.

There are two licorice compounds, known as licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, that were the most effective in eliminating bacteria. The substances killed bacteria associated with cavities and gum disease. The evidence was overwhelming that these substances were effective in treating oral issues.

        

[drmithila]

 Parents should stay away from allowing their children to drink smoothies.

The high acidity level in the smoothies is capable of resulting in dental problems. Even smoothies that claim to have a health value are actually causing a type of acid erosion.

Half of children around age 5 in some countries have shown signs of tooth wear, and the cause is the multitude fruit-based acidic drinks. The acid loosens up the enamel, making way for tooth erosion. The teeth are then more susceptible to damage and decay.

The problems stem from the fact that children aren’t drinking enough water. With so much access to fruit drinks, children are opting for those instead.

According to some dentists, children understand that consuming too many sweets is terrible for their teeth. The children, however, don’t understand the idea that fruit juices can have a similar type of negative impact.

The problem with fruit juice and smoothies stems from the fact that the pH level is in the range between 2 and 3. Any substance with a pH lower than 5 will attack the teeth.

This problem is pervading all groups of people, regardless of their economic means. To combat the issue, it’s essential for manufacturers of these types of drinks to show information about the possible effects of the products.

Consuming these drinks through a straw can limit the impact of the acidity, but that doesn’t completely nullify the impact of it.

        

[Author]

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