The American Dental Association has deemed xylitol a less-than-effective tool in preventing cavities, stating that it is no substitute for fluoride and good oral hygiene.
Background on Fluoride
Utah recently became the first state in the nation to ban fluoride in drinking water, following a successful passage of HB81 in the Utah House and Senate.
Florida has since become the second state to follow suit, raising concerns about the potential impact on national oral health.
The American Dental Association’s Stance
The American Dental Association has stated that there is some evidence that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent cavities, especially in people with moderate-to-high cavity risk.
However, the association has also emphasized that xylitol is no substitute for fluoride, teeth brushing, or other oral health habits.
Xylitol Gum: A Sugar-Free Sweetener
Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener commonly used in chewing gum and other products.
Studies have shown that xylitol can inhibit the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay and reduce the production of acid in the mouth.
A Pilot Program
Nate Jones, the CEO of Xlear, a company that sells xylitol gum and other xylitol products, presented a proposal to a recent interim meeting of the Utah Legislature.
Jones suggested that a pilot program to provide xylitol gum to children and prisoners could be a cost-effective way to promote oral health.
Cost and Effectiveness
Jones estimated that the pilot program would cost approximately $30 per year per person.
He also argued that xylitol gum could help reduce the need for dental clinics in prisons, which currently cost the state $2.1 million annually.
Concerns and Counterarguments
Some lawmakers expressed concerns about the feasibility and effectiveness of xylitol gum as a substitute for fluoride.
Rep. Raymond Ward, R-Bountiful, asked whether similar xylitol gum programs have been tried in other states.
Cannon, a retired pediatric dentist, noted that xylitol gum has been shown to be effective in reducing new cavities and reversing the decay process in already active cavities.
Teacher Concerns
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