Gum to Prevent Cavities?

There may actually be a good reason to let you kids have gum! A natural sugar that is found in food and some breath mints and gums could prevent tooth decay in kids. My almost 6-year-old already has two cavities (or the beginnings of cavities). I was shocked! He brushes his teeth on his on and we help him. The dentist said he has really deep crevices in his teeth and brushing may not be able to prevent cavities. I am still thinking about having all of them filled. I think it's around $40 a tooth, but that may be cheaper in the long run! I don't buy a whole lot of gum, but when I do, I will look for this natural sugar on the label!

FROM ABC: A new study finds a sugar substitute may help reduce tooth decay in kids. Does it sound too good to be true? It's not.

The commercial says, "Xylitol will stick to the teeth so bacteria will not adhere to the tooth so it actually helps the cavity from being formed." In the nearly year long study, the children who took Xylitol syrup twice a day had nearly two times *less* tooth decay than who didn't.

Researchers say it's a breakthrough since 28 percent of us toddlers and preschoolers have cavities.

"One way to give your child Xylitol is through fresh fruits and berries like blueberries and cranberries. The natural sugar is also found in mushrooms and vegetables like lettuce and corn on the cob."

Dentist Dr. Nancy Rosen said, “Xylitol is contained in mouth rinse, sugarless gum and mints. Dentists warn though, nothing can replace good old fashioned brushing and flossing when it comes to staying cavity free.

-NewsAnchorMom Jen

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