Tooth decay is a growing problem that affects thousands of children every year as a result of excessive sugar intake from common junk foods and drinks. Decay often builds up and leads to cavities, and is especially common in young children who tend to consume large amounts of soft drinks with highly acidic sugars.

While the sugars found in soda, candy and other unhealthy snacks damage the teeth and contribute to the increase in tooth decay, there are healthier alternatives that may actually provide oral benefits. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found naturally in fruits, vegetables and within the liver, and does not break down and become acidic after consumption like other types of sugar. Instead of continuing to damage the tooth enamel, xylitol fights bacteria in the mouth to keep the teeth healthy.

Xylitol can be found in many different products that we use on a regular basis, including candy, all-purpose sweeteners, powdered drink mixes and more. Using products with natural sugars can safely and effectively prevent tooth decay and therefore reduce the risk of cavities.

With Xylitol products, parents can help their children protect their sensitive teeth without having to significantly change their diet habits or compromise taste. It is recommended to consume three to five servings of xylitol each day so that it can work against bacteria in the mouth to help prevent cavities from developing.

Dr. Ravin can discuss the benefits of xylitol with patients and recommend adequate consumption to achieve the maximum benefits of this natural sugar.

What we eat plays a major role in the health of our teeth, as certain foods, such as soda and candy, can damage tooth enamel and eventually lead to decay. We learn about the effects of these foods at a young age and are taught to consume them sparingly to help prevent cavities and keep ourselves healthy.

However, certain foods and habits that are not as widely discussed can also have a negative impact on the enamel of your teeth. While soda is considered highly damaging, essentially any canned beverage, whether carbonated or not, is also extremely damaging to your teeth. Some foods that may not seems as toxic, such as ice cream, pickles and yogurt, have low acidic values that can harm the teeth if consumed too often. Even fruits and vegetables can lead to tooth decay.

It’s practically impossible to avoid all of the different foods that can lead to tooth decay, but fortunately there are ways to still maintain oral health. Eating a balanced diet ensures that your teeth will receive the nutrients they need, and sweets are acceptable as long as they are only consumed sporadically. When eating sugary foods, it is best to do so in a timely manner, as consuming it over an extended period of time also prolongs your teeth’s exposure to the sugar.

Carbohydrates can be damaging as well, so it is best to eat them as part of a meal instead of alone. The other types of food in your meal will neutralize the acid in the mouth and help to prevent decay. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the mouth moist and helps consume food better as well.

In addition to these preventive techniques, it is important for everyone to brush their teeth twice a day and to see their dentist on a regular basis to stop decay from building up and to treat any cavities as soon as they are detected.