A member asked:

Does xylitol gum really help reduce cavities in children? a friend of mine swears by the use of xylitol gum as the reason her children have not had cavities. is there any data that backs this up? i can't imagine that it would make that much of a differenc

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Imagine : Imagine that it does. Xylitol is not a processed, refined sugar, so it is "tooth friendly". That means it does not promote decay by feeding the bacteria that cause cavities. The chewing of the gum also helps promote salivation, which lubricates the teeth, and the gum also tends to help remove food and bacteria that is stuck in the nooks and crannies. So in a short answer, yes, it helps. See below link for some more info.

Answered 10/3/2016

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I agree with you: Gum chewing can help clean certain, easy to get to surfaces on some teeth. It can't get between the teeth like floss to cause the required plaque disruption that reduces cavities by reducing localizes acid formation. Fluoride application is the single best additional adjunct to proper brushing and flossing, it strengthens enamel and kills bacteria. Benefits from chewing xylitol gum are minimal.

Answered 6/25/2014

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