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From The Treatment Staff

Why is my mouth so dry?

People get chronic dry mouth when the glands that make saliva are not working properly. In addition to feeling uncomfortable, a dry mouth can lead to tooth decay because there isn't enough saliva to help wash away the food particles and bacteria.

Possible Causes

  • Side effect of some medications
  • Diseases that affect the salivary glands
  • Radiation & chemotherapy
  • Nerve damage from head & neck injuries

Temporary Remedies

  • Sip water or sugarless drinks often
  • Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee/non-herbal tea)
  • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy with Xylitol
  • Don't use tobacco or alcohol
  • Spicy or salty foods may cause pain in a dry mouth
  • Use a humidifier at night



FIGHTING TOOTH DECAY WITH CHEWING GUM!

That's right. Now simply by chewing gum, you can fight tooth decay. The gum must contain a substance called Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally-occurring sugar found in many fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, pears, plums and corn. Xylitol is currently used in many sugar-free products and is increasingly gaining acceptance as an alternative to sweetener due to its role in preventing, arresting and reversing dental decay.

How Does Xylitol Work?

Generally, infectious agents - bacteria and viruses - enter the body and attach themselves to cells. This "attachment apparatus" is required for the microbes to do their dirty work, which in many cases kills the healthy cells under attack. Xylitol acts like a natural cell membrane protector and lubricant that causes these foreign invaders to lose their grip. Rather than invading and harming the interior of your host cells, bacteria and viruses are simply repelled.

Xylitol has proven healthful in many ways such as helping to prevent upper respiratory invasions and it is commonly used to prevent tooth decay. It actually reduces bacterial plaque buildup around the teeth and gums, neutralizes toxic plaque acids, prevents tooth decay and helps to reduce bad breath and dry mouth.

Incredible Benefits From Xylitol    

  • Xylitol is safe for children.
  • It can be found in mints and gum. Trident is one brand - just look on the packaging to see if Xylitol is included as one of the first three ingredients.
  • Study participants chewed one or two sticks of gum containing xylitol for five minutes three times a day after meals. Average decay reduction was 62%!
  • Use xylitol products 3-5 times per day for best results in fighting tooth decay.
  • The sucking or chewing action encourages the xylitol to remain on the teeth longer.

Rikki, EFDA (Chair-side Assistant)


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