{"id":29,"date":"2018-10-21T19:03:50","date_gmt":"2018-10-21T19:03:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drtwohig.com\/blog\/?p=29"},"modified":"2018-10-21T19:05:49","modified_gmt":"2018-10-21T19:05:49","slug":"family-dentist-weyauwega","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drtwohig.com\/blog\/2018\/10\/21\/family-dentist-weyauwega\/","title":{"rendered":"A Family Dentist Says Some Candy CAN Be Good for Teeth"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"pinkThis Halloween season, you may be worried about trick-or-treating leaving your child\u2019s smile in danger of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health hazards. You don\u2019t want to be a spoilsport who says NO to the big night out in costume, but you also don\u2019t want to wreck your little one\u2019s oral health as a result. Did you know your <\/span>family dentist <\/span><\/a>actually promotes the use of SOME candy — for adults and kids alike? It\u2019s true. Keep reading to learn more about the oral health benefits of what\u2019s known as xylitol, and where you can find the candy that will actually promote a cleaner, healthier, and happier smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

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How this Candy Stops Tooth Decay<\/span><\/h2>\n

To understand how xylitol works to protect your teeth against cavities, you first need to know why tooth decay occurs in the first place. It happens when the acids in sugar are allowed to linger in your mouth. Left for too long, they combine with the bacteria that is naturally present in the oral cavity. This dangerous combination makes a home on the tooth enamel, gradually weakening it until a weak spot forms, eventually turning into a hole or \u201ccavity.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Xylitol is a minty natural product which is found in birch trees and certain grasses. It is as sweet as sugar, and also has a low glycemic index which means it is safe for diabetics. The tricky thing about xylitol is that when the decay-causing oral bacteria absorb it, they can\u2019t metabolize it — and thus die off before reproducing. Research shows that after 6 months of continued use of xylitol, the harmful bacteria can be totally eliminated from the mouth. <\/span><\/p>\n

Count the Benefits of Xylitol<\/span><\/h2>\n

This is great news for dentists, adults, and children alike. Everyone likes to enjoy a piece of candy from time to time, and now it seems as though we can do so guilt-free (as long as it\u2019s the right kind). Some of the most benefits of xylitol include:<\/span><\/p>\n