Weakened Immune Systems

Seniors

Seniors with dentures, those who take antibiotics, or have weak immune systems are at risk for developing thrush, a fungal infection in and around the mouth. Xylitol is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal and will help in healing such infections. It can be applied as a mouth spray, as a homemade solution to drink or rinse, or granular xylitol can be allowed to dissolve on the tongue. Breath mints or gum also provide an option for those able to chew candies or gum.

Xylitol mints are now being offered to residents in many assisted living centers to reduce plaque buildup and reduce the need for dental treatments. Xylitol has also been shown to be of benefit for patients with osteoporosis as a result of its ability to promote intestinal absorption of calcium and B vitamins that aid bone remineralization.

Diabetics

The main goal of diabetic management is control of blood glucose, lipids and weight. Because xylitol is a low glycemic sweetener (glycemic index of 7), slowly absorbed and metabolized independently of insulin, it can be used as a sugar-free sweetener.

Research shows that there is a connection between the stability of insulin levels in diabetic patients and gum disease. It is possible that insulin levels are destabilized by the inflammatory response generated by gum infection in the mouth. Many diabetic patients suffer from bleeding gums, especially women during pregnancy.

The use of the mouth rinses along with xylitol may reduce gum infection and in this way help stabilize blood chemistry in diabetic patients.

Since xylitol has a third of the calories of sugar (2.4 calories per gram), it can help with weight control. Xylitol is also said to help preserve muscle mass and encourage fat burning, and it may have other weight benefits. Some reports suggest xylitol may be useful to reduce sugar cravings.  (Bodybuilder.com for more details of the metabolism of xylitol)

Cancer patients and survivors

The body undergoes many changes during cancer treatment that can affect body and oral pH levels. The best defense against this threat to oral health is regular use of xylitol and the Zellies Complete Mouth Care System. Using this system prior to treatment helps teeth become as acid resistant as possible and will be of benefit before, during, and after treatment.

During treatment, if use of the entire system is not possible, the protection offered by xylitol (in any form) and the dilute fluoride rinse ACT ^® Anticavity Fluoride will provide the most protection. A little xylitol consumed as a mouth-cleaning piece of gum or a mouth-protecting mint, or rinsed around the mouth five or six times during the day can provide protection. Because tastes may change during treatment, different xylitol products can accommodate varying needs.

If Listerine^® is too strong to tolerate, use a little of the rinse in a cup of water. Listerine^® should still be used at full strength to disinfect toothbrushes after every use.