A Chewing Gum That Is Good for Your Teeth: A Quiz about Xylitol

1. Xylitol is a variety of sugar.
   True or False
2. Xylitol is produced from
   A) the bark of birch trees.
   B) coconut shells
   C) cottonseed hulls
   D) all of the above
3. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is similar to other varieties of sugar alcohols like mannitol and sorbitol.
   True or False
4. Decay-causing bacteria can break down xylitol to produce acids.
   True or False
5. A simple lip-to-lip good night kiss from a parent to a child can transmit decay-causing bacteria.
   True or False
6. Researchers discovered no differences in the prevention of tooth decay from dental chewing gum with xylitol when compared to gums with sorbitol, sucrose, and xylitol.
   True or False
7. Other products with xylitol for teeth like candy, mints, and cookies appear to minimize the incidence of caries.
   True or False
8. Xylitol products can increase saliva and allow it to counterbalance acids in the mouth.
   True or False
9. Xylitol is a laxative because ingesting too much xylitol can produce a mild laxative effect.
   True or False
10. The target dosage of xylitol should be 1 to 2 teaspoons scattered during the day.
    True or False

Answers

1. True. Xylitol is a variety of sugar that does not encourage tooth decay.
2. All of the above. Xylitol and also be found naturally in foods and vegetables of some types.
3. True. Mannitol and sorbitol are used as a sweetener of the sugarless variety.
4. False. The bacteria cannot break down xylitol to produce acids like table sugar (sucrose). Xylitol stops the saliva from turning into acids, and therefore your mouth becomes an inhospitable environment to bacteria that produce acids.
5. True. However, xylitol can prevent the growth and attachment of bacteria to the teeth.
6. False. When xylitol chewing gum is used systemically, it can significantly reduce the corresponding risk of tooth decay (caries) when compared to other varieties, including sucrose and xylitol/sorbitol. Xylitol chewing gum appears to halt the progress of tiny cavities in comparison with other types of chewing gum.
7. True. Your saliva and xylitol can combine together to harden (remineralize) your teeth following an acid attack.
8. True. The use of products of such types appears to halt the progress of aggressive decay.
9. True.
10. True. This simply indicates you can have two pieces of xylitol gum or the same number of xylitol candy or mints for five minutes each four times a day after having meals or snacks.

If you have any questions about xylitol and other means of preventing tooth decay, you can contact us today to schedule an appointment.