Xylitol

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies.

Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent cavities.

How does that work?

Xylitol, unlike sugar, is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva.

"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 dental 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. Research has shown that the use of xylitol gum or mints also helps correct incipient damage to the enamel. Saliva in itself protects the mouth and teeth. Saliva containing xylitol is more alkaline than saliva that contains other sugar products. After taking xylitol products, the concentration of basic amino acids in saliva may rise. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to precipitate into those parts of enamel where they are lacking."

Visit Xlear, the xylitol experts, for more facts on xylitol or product information.

Hairy Tongue

This sounds (and looks) scary, but hairy tongue is really harmless.

Hairy tongue is a build-up of bacteria or yeast on the tongue that collects on overgrown taste buds. These overgrown taste buds can then be stained black occasionally.

You are at a higher risk to develop hairy tongue if you:

• have poor oral hygiene
• are dehydrated
• are using antibiotics 
• you smoke tobacco
• you use a Peroxide based mouthwash

What can be done if this happens to you?

Improve your home care. When you brush your teeth twice a day, also lightly brush your tongue or use a tongue scrapper.

Hygiene Basics: Floss a Bridge 101

Floss threaders are flexible plastic designed with a loop at the end to enable the floss to be threaded underneath a fixed bridge.

Step 1: Thread a piece of floss (14-16 inches long) through the loop, leaving one end twice as long as the other.

Step 2: Insert the non-looped end of the flosser between the gumline and the bridge.

Step 3: Gently pull the threader all the way through, leaving only the floss between the gum and bridge.

Step 4: Holding on the each of the floss, you can move the floss back and forth underneath the bridge. Be sure to floss all the way across the bridge, from where it starts to where it ends.

Step 5: Let go of one end of the floss and slowly and gently pull the floss from under the bridge.