What is Xylitol?

Question: I see that Spiffies Tooth Wipes are made of Xylitol, but I have never heard about it before. What is Xylitol and is it safe?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener.

Xylitol is found in many plants and fruits. It is as sweet as regular sugar, but 40% lower in calories! Xylitol is produced in nature in small amounts, but can be manufactured in large amounts from xylose. Xylitol was approved for use as a food additive by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1963.

Xylitol is good for you.

In addition to its advantages of being a natural sweetener and lower in calories regular sugar, Xylitol provides significant health benefits. Clinical studies have shown Xylitol use prevents cavities (also known as dental caries) and even stops or reverses tooth decay. There is also evidence that Xylitol is effective in preventing or reducing ear and sinus infections-(great news for parents with children prone to ear infectons!). Because Xylitol is very slowly metabolized and does not raise insulin levels, and its use reduces many health problems associated with high-sugar intake. Diabetics can safely use Xylitol as a sweetener, and there are plenty of Xylitol recipes, avaiable.

How Xylitol works:

Most bacteria, including Streptococcus Mutans germs that live in the mouth and cause cavities, thrive on sugars with six carbon atoms (such as glucose and fructose) for their energy and growth. Xylose, is a five-carbon sugar that is not easily digested by bacteria, and actually inhibits their growth and proliferation. Consistent use of Xylitol actually stops the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Xylitol Studies Prove Benefits:

Clinical studies conducted over the last 30 years have proven that Xylitol prevents tooth decay and plaque formation. In studies of 500 and 1,000 children who chewed gum containing Xylitol compared to those who did not, existing cavities were healed, and cavities not only did not increase, but decay was actually reduced over the time of the study.

Why You’re Just Now Hearing About Xylitol:

Xylitol was developed commercially in Finland in response to sugar shortages during World War II. Finland was also among the first countries to study the health benefits of Xylitol and make it available in chewing gum. Currently, more than 35 countries have approved the use of Xylitol in foods, pharmaceutical and oral hygiene products. While Xylitol has been up to 20 times more expensive than sugar and other sweeteners, increased demand because of its health benefits is bringing down the price and making it more readily available.

Resources:
Xylitol Abstract
Xylitol Facts
Dr. Mercola

Xylitol Commercials from around the world:
Xylitol Gum Commercial 1
Xylitol Gum Commercial 2
Xylitol Gum Commercial 3



Do you have a question about Xylitol? Comment here or go to www.spiffies.com.

Do you use Spiffies? Share your story by commenting below.

Can a sippy cup increase cavity risk in kids?

Question: Can a sippy cup increase cavity risk in kids?

Yes, the use of sippy cups can increase kids' cavity risk when used for prolonged periods and with some types of drinks.

Most parents are extra careful to care for their children's teeth, just to find out at their young child's first dental visit that they already have cavities!

Tooth decay among young children is on the rise, and many experts believe that sippy cups containing sugary beverages, such as juice and soda is responsible. Because sippy cups are designed to prevent spills, they are often used by children long after they child learns how to hold and drink out of a regular cup.

"Sippy cups were created to help children transition from a bottle to drinking from a regular cup, but they're too often used for convenience," said American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry president Philip H. Hunke, DDS. "When kids sip for extended periods on sugared beverages, they're exposed to a higher risk of decay. Sippy cups should only contain water unless it's mealtime."

Dental care is important for children not only because of the chance for cavities but for possibly even more important, and long-reachng reasons. "Studies show that children with poor oral health perform worse in school and have less success later in life," says Hunke. "Establishing the right oral care habits early helps get kids headed on the path to a lifetime of good oral health."

But telling a parent that they shouldn't use a sippy cup after their toddler can sip from a regular cup --or that if they do, it should only contain water can sometimes be unrealistic advice. In today's world for most parents, it makes sense and is convenient to use a sippy cup, even for a child who is 3 or 4. So what can you do to care for your child's teeth and still protect your carpets, be able to travel, and keep your sanity? Well, here are just a few tips:

Don't put your child to bed/down for a nap with anything but water, (or water with xylitol).
--this will help prevent decay during the times when your child will tend to sip for prolonged periods, and when teeth are most vulnerable.

Avoid sugary drinks when possible.
--Juice is often fortified with vitamin C--but it is also full of sugar, and even diet soda is acidic and damaging to the teeth. If you give your child these juice or soda, have them drink them from a small regular cup in the kitchen. Only use milk or water in the sippy cups when possible.

Clean your child's teeth regularly.
--Brush your kid's teeth after meals, and even after drinks when possible. There is nothing that says you can't brush more than twice a day! If you can't brush because you are out of the house, or for another reason, try using Spiffies Tooth Wipes. They are safe, and are made with Xylitol, which can help prevent decay and promotes a healthy smile!

Do you have a question about sippy cups? Comment here or go to www.spiffies.com.

Do you use Spiffies? Share your story by commenting below.