Loading ...Healthy LivingXylitol Syrup Prevents Tooth Decay in Toddlers!
In a recent clinical trial study by the University of Washington (Seattle) and the Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, dental researchers found a significant drop of tooth decay in children 6 to 15 months old.1 These children were treated topically with xylitol syrup, a naturally occurring noncavity-causing sweetener.
In this clinical study, which was conducted in the Pacific island nation, Republic of Marshall Islands, children aged 6 to 15 months were given daily doses of xylitol in fruit-flavored syrup to determine if it can prevent early childhood tooth decay.
Researchers reported that 3 out 4 (76%) of the children in the group that received the xylitol syrup were free of tooth cavities by the end of the study, as opposed to only 48% of the children in the control group. This 25% increased protection in the xylitol group is a major step in tooth decay prevention.
The reason the Marshall Islands were chosen by the researchers is because the average child that enters kindergarten at age 5 has about 7 cavities, which is 2 to 3 times the rate of same-age children on the mainland.
Xylitol was approved by the US FDA in 1963 as a safe sugar substitute. It can be given to children in the form of chewing gum, lozenges, or syrup. Xylitol sweeteners can be purchased in organic and whole food markets.
Reference
- Milgrom, P. et al. Xylitol Topical Oral Syrup Prevents Early Childhood Caries: A RCT, by July 5, 2008, 86th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research.
[Ed. Note: Dr. Joseph R. Simaie is an Implant, Cosmetic, and Restorative dentist in Beverly Hills, CA. In addition to restoring smiles, his office is on the forefront of practicing preventive dentistry. Dr. Simaie is an assistant clinical professor at USC School of Dentistry. He is also a clinical evaluator for a major dental manufacturer and serves on the boards of several dental organizations.]
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Tags: dental health, tooth decay, xylitol
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