Expecting mothers in [CITY] have a lot to think about. On top of that, they have to get rid of habits that will harm their baby, such as drinking and smoking, and make big changes to their lives. Dr. Barganier, Dr. Zuffi, Dr. Williams, and Dr. McAdams like to give tips for great dental health in every stage of life, so here’s one that both mother and baby’s teeth will benefit from: chew xylitol gum during and after pregnancy. Please read on for the details and feel free to give Carolina Complete Dental a call if you have any questions.
Xylitol and Dental Health
If you’ve read our blog on xylitol, you know it’s a naturally occurring sugar substitute with a number of dental and general health properties. Here’s the basic picture:
Xylitol looks and tastes like ordinary table sugar, however…
Cavity-causing bacteria cannot metabolize xylitol
Xylitol inhibits bacteria’s ability to stick to teeth and form plaque
Xylitol helps teeth repair during the remineralization process
Chewing xylitol gum stimulates the flow of saliva
Studies have shown that xylitol reduces caries (tooth decay) in at-risk and low-risk populations
Why Moms should Chew Xylitol Gum
In addition to the above benefits, xylitol is recommended for pregnant women, and mothers of infants and young children. The bacteria responsible for tooth decay are often transferred between mother and child through oral contact, which can account for a baby’s first cavities. Chewing xylitol gum during pregnancy and for the first few years of a child’s life is a great way to stop that from happening. According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, there is a growing body of research suggesting that, “when mothers of infants and young children chew xylitol-sweetened gum, it will block transmission of mutans streptococci from mother to child” (Burt, 2006).
Carolina Complete Dental wants all Goose Creek mothers and their children to get the excellent dental care they deserve, so please give us a call with any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Expecting mothers in [CITY] have a lot to think about. On top of that, they have to get rid of habits that will harm their baby, such as drinking and smoking, and make big changes to their lives. Dr. Barganier, Dr. Zuffi, Dr. Williams, and Dr. McAdams like to give tips for great dental health in every stage of life, so here’s one that both mother and baby’s teeth will benefit from: chew xylitol gum during and after pregnancy. Please read on for the details and feel free to give Carolina Complete Dental a call if you have any questions.