Posts Tagged ‘Fragmints’

The xylitol gum I’ve recommended for many years, Xylimax, is no longer available. In it’s place you can now get a comparable gum, Xponent gum from GlobalSweet.com.

 In addition, the xylitol mints, Smints, have been discontinued, and a Fragmints from GlobalSweet.com are a great replacement.

Xylitol is a naturally derived sweetener that does not cause cavities. Bacteria grow on other widely used sugar alternatives used by manufacturers, such as sorbitol and mannitol. You’ll notice that the commonly available “sugarless” products never say cavity-free. They’re sugarless because they don’t contain sucrose (sugar).

I’ve updated the links on for the gum and mints throughout my site.

Recently a patient asked my about the cavity-free xylitol gum I recommend, and in checking the link on my website I was amazed to find the link was down. The company that imported the gum from Finland is apparently no longer in business, and in fact the Finnish manufacturer was acquired by another larger confectionery company in 2008.

• xylitol defined and history
• benefits of xylitol
  • good taste with no unpleasant aftertaste
  • helps reduce the development of dental caries (cavities)
  • reduces plaque formation
  • increases salivary flow
  • provides one-third fewer calories than sugar – about 2.4 calories per gram
• safety
• latest information on xylitol products and studies
• xylitol products available in the US
  • Xponent gum available online
  • Fragmints (mints) available online
  • Dr. John’s Candies available online

Xylitol Defined and History

Remember: sugarless does not mean cavity-free!

Xylitol is a good-tasting sweetener which is reduced in calories and does not cause cavities. Approved in more than 35 countries, its sweetness and bulk make xylitol an increasingly popular ingredient in foods, pharmaceuticals and oral health products.

Discovered in 1891 by German chemist Emil Fischer, xylitol has been used as a sweetening agent in human food since the 1960s. Xylitol is a white crystalline powder that is odorless, with a pleasant, sweet taste. It is gaining increasing acceptance as an alternative sweetener due to its role in reducing the development of dental caries (cavities).

Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body during normal metabolism. Produced commercially from plants such as birch and other hard wood trees and fibrous vegetation, xylitol has the same sweetness and bulk as sucrose with one-third fewer calories and no unpleasant aftertaste. It quickly dissolves and produces a cooling sensation in the mouth.

Xylitol is currently approved for use in foods, pharmaceuticals and oral health products in more than 35 countries. Xylitol is used in foods such as chewing gum, gum drops and hard candy, and in pharmaceuticals and oral health products such as throat lozenges, cough syrups, children’s chewable multivitamins, toothpastes and mouthwashes. In the United States, xylitol is approved as a direct food additive for use in foods for special dietary uses.

Reduces New Caries (cavities) Formation 

In clinical and field tests, the consumption of xylitol between meals was associated with significantly reduced new caries formation, even when participants were already practicing good oral hygiene. Results clearly establish that use of xylitol sweetened foods provides additional help in the battle against tooth decay. It also inhibits the growth of S. mutans, the primary bacterium associated with dental caries.

In a two-year study conducted at the Ylivieska Health Center in Finland, children aged 11-12 who consumed 7 to 10g of xylitol daily in chewing gum showed a 30 to 60% reduction in new dental caries development compared to the control group not chewing gum.

The possible long-term caries-preventing effects of xylitol have been studied as a follow-up to the Ylivieska study. Re-examination of the subjects 2 or 3 years after discontinuation of the use of xylitol revealed a continued reduction in caries increment in the post-use years of about 55%. In teeth erupting during the first year of the use of xylitol chewing gum, the long-term caries preventative effect was over 70%. The results suggest that the value of xylitol may be highest during periods of high dental activity such as eruption of new teeth.

A 40-month (1989-93) cohort study on the relationship between the use of chewing gum and dental caries was performed with 4th grade students in Belize, Central America. Nine treatment groups were included: control group (no gum); four xylitol groups (range of xylitol consumption 4.3-9.0g/day); two xylitol/sorbitol groups (total polyol consumption 8.0/9.7g/day); one sorbitol group (9.0g/day); and one sucrose group (9.0g/day). Compared with the no-gum group, sucrose gum usage resulted in a marginal increase in caries rate (relative risk 1.20). Sorbitol gum reduced the caries rate (relative risk 0.74). The four xylitol gums were most effective in reducing caries rates (relative risks from 0.48-0.27). The most effective gum was a 100% xylitol pellet gum (relative risk 0.27). The xylitol/sorbitol gums were less effective than xylitol, but reduced the caries rates significantly compared to the no-gum or sorbitol gum groups. The results suggest that systemic usage of polyol-based chewing gum reduces caries rates in young subjects, with xylitol gums being most effective.

A three-year clinical dentifrice caries study was conducted with 2,630 children initially aged 8-10 years in the San Jose, Costa Rica metropolitan area. The study evaluated the efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica/10% xylitol dentifrice when compared to a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica dentifrice which contained no xylitol. After the three-year period, subjects using the xylitol-containing dentifrice had a statistically significant reduction in decayed and filled dental surfaces (12.3% reduction; P<0.001). The study supports earlier work which suggests that xylitol and fluoride act synergistically to increase the efficacy of oral hygiene products.

Reduces Plaque Growth 

Recent studies at the Dental Schools of Michigan and Indiana Universities have tested the effect of xylitol/sorbitol blends in chewing gum and mints on plaque. They showed a significant decrease in plaque accumulation.

Stimulates Salivary Flow 

The sweetness and pleasant cooling effect of xylitol-sweetened products (such as mints and chewing gum) create an increase in salivary flow. Saliva helps with cleaning and protecting teeth from decay.  See more about dry mouth, click here (link coming soon).

Safety 

In 1986, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB) was commissioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review all relevant data concerning xylitol and other polyols. The FASEB report’s scientific conclusions indicate that the use of xylitol in humans is safe. The report also affirms xylitol’s acceptability as an approved food additive for use in foods for special dietary uses.

In 1996, the Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), a prestigious scientific advisory body to the World Health Organization and the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, confirmed that adverse findings in animal studies conducted in the 1970s are “not relevant to the toxicological evaluation of these substances (e.g., xylitol) in humans.” JECFA has allocated an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of “not specified” for xylitol. ADI, expressed in terms of body weight, is the amount of a food additive that can be taken daily in the diet over a lifetime without risk. An ADI of “not specified” is the safest category in which JECFA can place a food additive. The Scientific Committee for Food of the European Union (EU) also determined xylitol “acceptable” for dietary uses.

reprinted in part from the Calorie Control Council © 2000

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.”
- Miguel de Cervantes

Toothbrush

• REGULAR soft, smaller is better, angled helps. My favorite is an Oral-B toothbrush.
• ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH, Sonicare (FlexCare H6911).
• DENTURE BRUSH, for retainers, bite guards, dentures.

Toothpaste

• DRY BRUSHING, brush until your teeth feel smooth (soft), not by time, click here.
• TARTAR PROTECTION (ingredient: pyrophosphate)
  >> preferred: PEROXICARE,  ADVANCE WHITE, or COMPLETE CARE (Arm & Hammer)
• SENSITIVE, 5% potassium nitrate (with tartar protection / control): Colgate Sensitive Enamel Protect, Colgate Sensitive Multi Protection, Sensodyne Full Protection or Sensodyne Tartar Control with Whitening. Colgate and Sensodyne have the only desensitizing toothpastes with tartar control (not just any one, but only these four listed).
• BIOTENE for dry mouth. Also for canker sores, it has no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).

Sensitive toothpaste warning label

If I have recommended that you can/should use Sensodyne toothpaste, it is best used exclusively all the time.

• Q: Why does the package state that if the pain or sensitivity still persists after 4 weeks of use, we should visit the dentist? [from the Sensodyne web site]
• A: The FDA requires this statement on the packaging of all over-the-counter desensitizing toothpastes. Sensitive teeth may indicate a more serious problem that may need to have prompt care by a dentist. Your dental professional may recommend that you use Sensodyne daily if he or she has ruled out other dental or medical issues.

Between Teeth

• FLOSS, waxed is easy, but even easier is Glide™. Professional flossing: floss on middle fingers.
• GLIDE FLOSS PICKS, for kids. These are GREAT for adults and children, click here.
• GLIDE THREADER, floss threaders for under bridges, splints, and/or braces.
• INTERDENTAL BRUSH (Oral-B) or PROXABRUSH® (Butler), save your handle – replace the brushes. The Oral-B handle is much easier to use. Butler and Oral-B make travel versions. Use this from both the cheek side and tongue side.
• OTHER, floss holders, toothpicks, Stimudents®, etc.

Rinses

• SALT WATER, more effective than mouthwash any day. A saturated solution (4 teaspoons / pint of water or 1 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water) swished between teeth for at least a minute. More effective because: much more comfortable and tolerable, antibacterial, no alcohol, easily available, cheaper. Time of day doesn’t matter, often leaving it premixed in the shower is very helpful (pint bottle with a sport top).
• THERASOL, antibacterial (ethoxylated tertiary amine and capryl/capramidopropylbetaine). Special order, click here.
• PEROXYL, diluted, flavored hydrogen peroxide (1.5%).

I specifically recommend against PerioGard, Peridex, chlorhexidine gluconate. Although these products are antibacterial, the side effects of increased tartar and stain are too great, AND there is an equally effective solution: TheraSol.

Irrigation

• Waterpik® (model WP-60W) With baking soda, two teaspoons per full reservoir at the highest pressure setting that is comfortable, click here. Wall mounting bracket available (1.800.525.2774). [220 volt internationl model, WP-60E - special order from Water Pik].

Etc.

• Xylitol, cavity-free, products.
  • Fragmints (mints)
  • Xponent gum
  • Dr. John’s Candies

Sorbitol and mannitol are the primary sweeteners in most sugarless gums, and although they reduce decay compared to sucrose (commonly referred to as ‘sugar’), xylitol does not cause decay.

• NICOTINE REDUCTION (patch / gum / lozenge / Rx tablet – inhaler) an aid to overcome the physical dependence of tobacco.
• DENAVIR, prescription required, antiviral cream for cold sores.
• FLUORIDE SUPPLEMENTS, prescription required, for children up through age 16.
• VITAMIN/MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS: Centrum or it’s equivalent. You can check the effectiveness/requirement by your fingernails.
• Sea-Bond Denture Brightening Gel Cleanser (formerly Ban-A-Stain), for retainers, bite guards, dentures. Available in drug stores.
• STRESS REDUCTION: physical exercise, meditation, biofeedback, medication, nutrition.
• BRUSH / SCRAPE YOUR TONGUE, stain is from bacteria that “pick-up” dark pigments from your diet. Tongue scrapers can also help prevent halitosis.
• DECAFFEINATED coffee, soda, tea.
• DISCLOSING SOLUTION to show where plaque remains on teeth, click here (2 Tone Disclosing Solution).
• CANKER COVER for canker sores, more info click here.
• KANKA®, ORAJEL® for irritations from braces, retainers or dentures.

SOAK for dentures, biteguards, retainers: plain, undiluted, white vinegar.