I've been dealing with severe dry mouth for several years caused by radiation treatments for mouth cancer, but only recently learned that the acid environment created by lack of saliva is causing erosion of the tooth enamel. Xylitol helps keep moisture in my mouth, but how? What is the source of the moisture, and is the pH level created by use of xylitol tabs capable of counteracting the acid level that is causing the loss of teeth? Any comments will be appreciated.
Hi Tim
Xylitol chewing gum has been shown to be effective in promoting saliva production.
Xylitol is a substitute for sugar and makes the gum taste nicer. It's not so much the xylitol in the gum but the act of chewing that stimulates saliva flow. You are tricking your body to think you're eating and ready to digest food.
The reason we use xylitol is that sugar in the gum would cause dental decay, where as xylitol doesn't.
Other ways to increase moisture with a dry mouth are sipping water and sucking on sugar free sweets. Your dentist can also prescribe sprays to improve your situation.
Not having enough saliva will not cause erosion on its own. You need to have acidic food/drink initially. Be mindful of foods that are acidic. When you have acidic food/drink it can make the enamel softer for a time. Do not brush your teeth immediately after consumption as this can remove more enamel.
If you're concerned I'd advice you see your dentist. There are methods of rebuilding the lost tooth tissue and combatting the issue.
Hope this helps
Gareth
Dr Edwards: Thank you for your response to my inquiry. Xylitol is indeed a very helpful component in my oral health. I have found several helpful products from Biotene, OraCoat, Epic Dental and others. What I don't understand is how xylitol can stimulate some saliva in my mouth through the use of sublingual tabs (TheraMints), which can change the pH in my mouth, loweringing the acid level created by eating many common fruits and vegetables, as well as consumption of a cup of coffee or a daily glass of wine. I use the usual mouthwashes, sprays, toothpastes and gels, but mostly for comfort. One product seems designed especially for the purpose of helping to maintain a neutral pH level in the mouth, called Xyligel (from OraCoat), and I'm happy to have found it. I don't know if Xyligel manages this primarily by the use of xylitol, and if the other products containing xylitol can accomplish the same results. Sips of water are good for momentary relief, mouthwash and sprays can give longer lasting comfort, but the reduction of the acid environment caused by everyday eating and drinking is my goal at this time. Thanks again. I do appreciate the info you are able to provide. Tim Brown