All those years of your Dentist, Doctor and Mommy telling you that sugar is bad for you may have been a lie! Well not exactly….
The sugar that we call white granulated table sugar is not even really sugar. By the time sugar cane is processed and reaches your table, it is a chemical. Real sugar juice (sugar cane crushed and pressed) is very nutritious. In fact, it has so many vitamins and minerals it can be a super food. But the refining process just leaves us with white crystal dust. Sugar causes holes in your teeth, diabetes, fat to go around your tummy area, and cancer. NO good!
But have you heard of Xylitol? This sugar actually stops tooth decay, has a low glycemic index, is safe for diabetics, and boost your immune system.
So where did this sweet perfection come from? Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fiberous part of plants. The purest form of xylitol comes from the bark of birch trees. In fact, our very own body produces a small amount of Xylitol on its own.
Way back in 1891 a German and French scientist discovered Xylitol. But it was not a big hit until the 1940 during the World War II. Europe had a hard time getting cane sugar into Europe and they started using Xylitol. Finnish scientist researched and discovered that people who used Xylitol have few to no cavities.
Since 1976, there have been numerous studies that confirm that xylitol stops the growth of bacteria that causes cavities. So read that again…. By eating, chewing and ingesting Xylitol, the bacteria that causes decay just will stop growing or appearing in your mouth. Think about it! No Bacteria...NO Decay! That is better than Fluoride! Fluoride only rebuilds the surface of the tooth and makes the surface of the tooth harder to resist decay. Xylitol just stop the bacteria dead in its tracks. But that is not all they found.
Way back in the 1940 and 1950’s European countries were looking for a sugar substitute for diabetes. Xylitol fit the bill because the body doesn’t require insulin to metabolize Xylitol. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7 ( sugar GI is 83, honey 35-54). Xylitol has 40% LESS calories that table sugar. All of you that are looking to cut calories, this can help.
But there is more, they actually have xylitol nasal spray because it inhibits bacterial growth that causes respiratory infections. It also has a great effect on ear infections, sinus infections, and oral yeast infections. Xylitol is also great for people with dry mouth. It helps to cool and moisten the mouth and keeps the saliva flowing.
Okay where can you find this amazing sugar? Look at your local health and food store. Whole Foods and The Vitamin Shoppe both carry it. They have Xylitol by the pound, single serving packets, toothpaste, gum, mints, nasal spray, baby tooth gel, and children’s candies (my kids love it!)It’s yummy! You can visit the XYbody.com website and you can get a discount. Or you can just call our office at 860-236-8000 and we will hook you up! Better yet, just come in for a visit at Dr. Wilson’s office and we will make sure you have everything you need to be healthy and cavity free. Please visit our website and review the video with myself discussing the benefits of Xylitol with Kara Sundlun of Better Connecticut.
A sugar that is good for you… Who knew!
Smiles Create Happiness, Create Yours!
Until next time,
Kareen
P.S CAUTION! If you have a four legged friend (dog), Xylitol is fatal, so keep it out of reach of Fido!
By Contemporary General Dentistry
December 10, 2013
