“The art of medicine consists in amusing the patient while nature cures the disease”

Voltaire (1694 - 1778)

Copyright 2005

Andy Cook Exceptional Health

Certain articles used with permission from www.xlear.com

Chewing Gum

Studies have shown that chewing gum can have an indirect, positive effect on dental hygiene. Chewing gum after meals helps to stimulate the production of saliva and overall salivary flow. Saliva helps to wash away and neutralise the acid produced by bacteria in plaque. This acid is responsible for dental decay and bad breath. Chewing gum can also help relieve pressure in your ears and sinuses by encouraging jaw movement.

There are, however, a number of sweeteners that help prevent cavities and reduce the acid production in your mouth. Xylitol, a natural sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables, tastes and looks like sugar but without the negative side effects. Chewing gum that contains high levels of xylitol fights cavities and dental decay by creating an unwelcome environment for bacteria. Xylitol is one of bacteria's natural enemies - in a xylitol-rich environment, bacteria lose their ability to stick to teeth and are therefore unable to colonise and turn into plaque.

On the other hand, chewing gum typically contains a sweetener of some type. Chewing gum that contains sugar, for example, can be harmful to your teeth.    The sugar in the gum fuels the bacteria that produce acid in your mouth.

In addition to the the Spry Chewing Gum, the Spry Dental Defense System™ also includes:

Clinical studies have shown reductions in tooth decay by up to 80% in people who consistently use products sweetened with 100% Xylitol. Put the power of xylitol to work for you and keep your mouth refreshed!