- Joined
- Sep 25, 2024
- Messages
- 1
For the past year, I have been chewing Xylitol gum 4-6 times a day, usually after meals. I started this routine after reading about Xylitol’s benefits in reducing plaque, raising the pH balance of the mouth, and preventing cavities.
On top of the xylitol, I brush with an electric toothbrush twice a day, floss and waterfloss every night before bed, and see my dentist every 6 months on the dot. I do not smoke cigarettes, I do smoke marijuana almost every weekend, occasionally drink maybe 1-2 times a month
During my most recent dental visit, my dentist observed a large buildup of tartar especially on my top teeth. She suggested I consider coming 3-4 times a year for cleanup.
I did some reading and understand that tartar forms when minerals in saliva combine with plaque, hardening it into tartar. One effect of Xylitol gum is that it promotes more saliva. Based on my readings, increased saliva production is generally good for teeth and this is how pH balance is kept higher and how remineralization of teeth can occur.
However, at the same time, could the extra saliva activation due to the xylitol gum also be what is causing the plaque to mineralize and turn into tartar?
It seems to me that the same saliva minerals (calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium phosphate) that xylitol will mix with to have beneficial impact on teeth, are the same minerals that harden plaque into tartar. If I am misunderstanding the chemical reactions taking place, can someone clarify for me?
What is the final verdict on xylitol gum if it carries so many positive effects for teeth but also is the culprit behind the tartar buildup?
On top of the xylitol, I brush with an electric toothbrush twice a day, floss and waterfloss every night before bed, and see my dentist every 6 months on the dot. I do not smoke cigarettes, I do smoke marijuana almost every weekend, occasionally drink maybe 1-2 times a month
During my most recent dental visit, my dentist observed a large buildup of tartar especially on my top teeth. She suggested I consider coming 3-4 times a year for cleanup.
I did some reading and understand that tartar forms when minerals in saliva combine with plaque, hardening it into tartar. One effect of Xylitol gum is that it promotes more saliva. Based on my readings, increased saliva production is generally good for teeth and this is how pH balance is kept higher and how remineralization of teeth can occur.
However, at the same time, could the extra saliva activation due to the xylitol gum also be what is causing the plaque to mineralize and turn into tartar?
It seems to me that the same saliva minerals (calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and magnesium phosphate) that xylitol will mix with to have beneficial impact on teeth, are the same minerals that harden plaque into tartar. If I am misunderstanding the chemical reactions taking place, can someone clarify for me?
What is the final verdict on xylitol gum if it carries so many positive effects for teeth but also is the culprit behind the tartar buildup?