Pasadena Texas Family Dentist Dr. Nugent:
Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and taste like sugar. It is found naturally and can be extracted from birch, raspberries, plums, corn and mushrooms. Technically it is not a sugar but a sugar alcohol that is sometimes called wood sugar or birch sugar. Our bodies produce up to 15mg everyday as part of normal metabolism.The great benefit of Xylitol in preventing tooth decay was “discovered” in Finland in the early 1970’s. Streptococcus Mutans, bacteria found in the mouth, produces toxins and acids that can dissolve teeth when foods with refined sugar [sucrose] are eaten.
Xylitol is not fermented by oral bacterial, so it cannot cause cavities [caries]. It works its magic on many levels.
- It inhibits the growth of cavity-producing bacteria S. Mutans and lactobacilli. The number of these acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%
- It reduces the adhesion of plaque to your teeth
- It stimulates salivary flow creating a greater buffer capacity against acids and aiding remineralization of your teeth
Dr. Nugent see patients from Deer Park, Friendswood, La Porte, Clear Lake and Friendswood in his Pasadena, Texas dental office. His easy going bed side manner helps put nervous patients at ease. For the extremely nervous patients Dr. Nugent offers Sedation Dentistry.
Visit us at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504 or call us at 713-941-8261.