Xylitol- What is it and how can it benefit you?
Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol derived primarily from forest and agricultural materials. It can be found in birch and other hardwood trees and fruits such as berries, plums as well as in mushrooms, corn and oats. Xylitol is also produced in the human liver, which explains why it’s safe for human consumption. Xylitol is an organic compound that is safe for children, diabetics, and expectant mothers.
In 1974 the first sugar-free dental product of its kind was produced: xylitol chewing gum. Xylitol is available today in a range of products such as: gum, mints, nasal sprays, mouthwash and as a crystalline sugar substitute.
Even though there has been a growth in community water fluoridation, we are not seeing a decrease in dental decay. This trend can be attributed to the fact that over the years, there has been a massive increase in the consumption of sugar in drinks such as juices, soda, and energy drinks. There has also been an increase in the size of drink bottles, as well as a tremendous growth in the consumption of bottled water.
In the oral cavity, table sugar reduces, creating an acidic, caries promoting pH. Xylitol does not reduce in the mouthlike table sugar; therefore it does not create that acid. Xylitol has also been shown to inhibit the growth of S. mutans . S. mutans is a cavity causing bacteria that is found in plaque and saliva. Consuming xylitol stops the bacteria from growing and significantly reduces tha risk of cavity formation.
Many people are pleasantly surprised to hear that there is a natural sugar that not only doesn’t cause cavities, it actually helps prevent them. The recommended daily dose it between 6-10 grams of xylitol (or 3-5 servings) per day. Your xylitol consumption needs to be spread out throughout the day, with gum chewing lasting for at least 5 minutes.
Xylitol Facts:
Xylitol is a naturally occurring organic sweetener that can prevent decay.
Xylitol does not caramelize when heated so it cannot be substituted for sugar in baking, but may be used in candy, gum, and other non-baked desserts.
Xylitol can be used on oatmeal, over fruit, or anything else you may put sugar on.
It is for diabetics because it does not raise blood sugar levels to a large extent.
Xylitol is completely safe for all people, even expectant moms.
Studies have shown that the children of moms who chewed xylitol gum during pregnancy have fewer S.Mutans for up to 2 years.
Xylitol can be deadly to dogs. It doesn’t take much and the results are rapid.

Oral Cancer and You – Introducing Trimira’s Identafi 3000

Drs. Chris and Matt pride themselves on offering state-of-the-art technology for precision diagnostics and treatment.  As a service to our patients we are now incorporating the Identafi 3000 in our oral cancer screening on an annual basis.

Everyone knows about cancer, but no one is paying attention to the cancer that’s more deadly than cervical, breast, or prostate cancers (based on five year mortality rates).

Oral cancer now kills one person every hour of every day.  It showed an 11 percent increase in 2007 and the incidence is still increasing.

More that 35,000 Americans will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year – and 40 percent of those victims will be dead in five years.

Trimira’s new Identafi 3000 is unlike anything in the dental/doctor detection tool kit because it efficiently identifies biochemical and morphological changes in the cells of the mouth, throat, tongue, and tonsils.  Identafi helps to identify oral cancer in its early detection stage.  Through the use of different spectrums of light, the dentist/dental hygienist is able to spot areas of pre-cancerous cells.  Using Identafi in “White Light” mode, a dentist/dental hygienist examines the entire oral cavity.  This includes the upper and lower portions of the mouth, inner contour of the teeth, the floor of the mouth, the tongue, hard and soft palate, and the pharynx.

The instrument is then switched to the “Violet Fluorescence Light” to identify any areas of abnormal tissue growth, which may be benign or cancerous.  Finally, the instrument is switched to “Amber Reflectance Light” to examine the blood vessels around the lesions.  Lesions with abnormal growth are more likely to be malignant.  These lesions may require additional examination and testing.

Dr. Chris and Dr. Matt feel that the way to stop oral cancer in its tracks is through early detection.  We are very happy to be able to now offer our patients this early detection technology. 

Early detection of oral cancer translates into cure rates of greater than 80%,, which is one reason the American Cancer Society and the American Dental Association both recommend “opportunistic screening” for oral cancer.

Oral cancer is so dangerous because so few patients notice the symptoms in the early stages.  It can progress without causing pain or obvious signs.  As a result, oral cancer often goes undetected until it has metastasized.