Xylitol Sweetener and amorphous calcium phosphate

In the battle to maintain a healthy mouth, it has long been known that refined sugar is the main cause of tooth decay. Currently two different approaches are possible in preventing and protecting the teeth from decay.

First substituting xylitol instead of sucrose as a sweetener decreases the cavity causing bacteria. Xylitol , along with other sugar alcohols, is not fermented by oral bacteria. In fact bacteria concentrations actually decrease, because Xylitol is taken in as food by cavity causing bacteria, but the bacteria can’t use a five-carbon sugar alcohol, so they die. The primary source of Xylitol is birch trees and other hardwood trees; it is very expensive to produce so not often found in products.

The second method to prevent or reverse the effects of decay producing bacteria is to use products containing amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP). ACP is currently being added to products such as toothpaste, chewing gum, and mouth rinses. When applied to the tooth surface, ACP releases calcium and phosphorus that repairs surface defects etched from bacteria produced lactic acid. In addition it has been found that scratches can be filled and the tooth luster restored with ACP. Currently Enamel Care toothpaste by Arm & Hammer contains ACP, however I would expect additional products to be manufactured with this new ingredient.
 

John V. Reitz, D.D.S., F.A.G.D.
Signature Dental Care
30 Commerce Drive
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Phone: 610-320-9993
E-mail: jreitz@reitzdds.com

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