What is xylitol?

It is a sweet tasting, naturally occurring sweetener. It has one-third less calories than table sugar. It is produced from birch trees, some hardwood trees and fibrous vegetation.  And the best part is, it is now  researched to have many dental benefits as well.

The many dental benefits xylitol offers is: reduction of dental caries (cavities), reduction of plaque formation, increase in salivary production (which helps re-mineralize damaged tooth enamel),  it works synergistically with fluoridated oral hygiene products, and it changes the pH of the saliva -therefore making an environment that bacteria cannot thrive.

The theraputic dose recommended by researchers is 6-10 grams per day. This can be achieved by chewing 3 pieces of xylitol gum per day, preferably after each meal to neutralize the pH of the saliva. Other food sources of xylitol are plums and raspberries. Many natural toothpastes and rinses now contain xylitol. Other products I prefer are: trident gum, spry mints and gums, and the professional cari-free product line.  Given this information I have started my family on these products to give them a fighting chance against tooth decay.

Kim Anderson is wonderful – great customer service, knows her stuff and explains things well. Dr. Hughes is also great.   Rich H.  (Boulder, CO)  7/22/10

I am a love and logic parent of my 6 year old daughter and 7 year old son,  and I receive a monthly newsletter from Dr. Charles Fay giving tips on parenting.  This month I received a very pertinent newletter I wanted to share with you all concerning getting your children to brush their teeth.  Hope you enjoy it!  Dr. Tracey Hughes

“Getting Them To Brush Their Teeth”

Have you ever been amazed at how tightly children can clench their teeth together when you try to “help” them brush their teeth? I have! And, yes, I admit it, I’ve tried to brush a strong-willed child’s teeth, for them. Fortunately, I came to my senses before I lost a finger.

While we can’t make spirited children take care of their teeth, we can apply the three E’s of Love and Logic.

The first “E” stands for example. The next time your child needs to brush, experiment with saying, “I’m going to brush my teeth. I like to take care of them so that I can have treats.”

The second “E” stands for experience. Many children need to experience some logical consequences associated with failing to take care of their mouths. Just the other day I drove through McDonald’s and ordered a child-size chocolate shake for myself. Three-year-old Cody sat in the backseat crying and whining about the fact that I didn’t get one for him. I felt horrible, but I knew that this little learning experience was far more affordable than having a mouth full of cavities as he grew older.

The third “E” stands for empathy. When we can be sad, rather than angry or sarcastic, our kids are forced to realize that their poor decisions decrease the quality of their lives.

A very creative mother said this to her 13-year-old daughter:

Honey, I’m no longer going to nag you about brushing. When I see that you aren’t, I’ll deposit your allowance into a special bank account I’ve named “dentures for my daughter.”

For more tips on taking the battles out of daily life with your kids, check out our Stress-Free Parenting Package.

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend or visit www.loveandlogic.com/join to sign up.

Dr. Charles Fay

The Love and Logic Institute

Kim is not only a capable hygienist, she is good at explaining what she’s doing and one’s options. Also, she has a delightful personality. Heather too. Tracy, you have a good team.  12/19/2009

Kim has the best “touch” of any hygenist I have ever had. She is a real asset to your business.  1/22/2010

Kim is always friendly and competent as is Dr. Hughes. 1/22/2010

When our patient Christine called Kim regarding donations for her daughters brownie troop, Kim immediately came to me and we both thought of things we could donate.

Every year, Brownie Troop #537 tries to make Christmastime brighter for members of their community.  How exciting it was that Boulder Valley Dental Center was asked to help! With Kims help, we were able to donate 30-50 tubes of toothpaste and 30-50 floss samples.

Thanks Troop 537 for letting us be a part of your good deed!

“Hidden” Gum Infections Can Lead to a Stroke or Heart Disease!  Find Out How Comfortable and Quick our Gum Therapies Can Be With Conscious Sedation.

New studies link gum disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, low birth-weight babies and more.  The truth is, if you haven’t been to a dentist in over 5 years, chances are you have gum disease right now and don’t even know it.  Conscious sedation dentistry can help you reverse years of dental neglect in just a few hours.

So what does gum disease have to do with your health?  For starters, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, including the bone.  As with any infection, bacteria can travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body.  Gum disease is usually caused by dental neglect.

The early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, affects only the gums.  Without treatment, the condition progresses into advanced periodontitis, which eventually destroyes gum tissues, ligaments and bone that holds your teeth in place.  You healthy teeth can acutally start falling out of your unhealthy gums.

But that’s not the only loss that can occur.  As the infection spreads, there is a greater chance that it can reach your heart and other vital organs with serious, sometimes fatal consequences.  Studies have made a connection between plaque build-up in the gums and plaque build-up in the arteries.

Some form of gum disease affects as many as 50% of the population.  You do not have to be in pain or have symptoms to have gum disease.  You could have this serious condition right now and not even know it.

The accumulation of calculus, the hardened plaque that forms around the teeth and under the gum line, leads to gum disease.  Calculus deposits form “pockets” in the gums.  These deep pockets open the door to spreading infection. 

The only way to remove calculus is through regular in-office, professional dental cleanings.  The truth is, without frequent cleaning (two to three times per year) gum disease is inevitable.

Perhaps you’re feeling uneasy or anxious about having an oral exam and teeth cleaning.   You are not alone, I see guests in our office weekly who have similar anxieties and fears.   We acknowledge your fears and can help you experience dentistry unlike you have in the past.   I invite you to contact us.  Dont let dental anxiety rob you of your enjoyment, your youthful smiles and a healthy life.

Compassionately,

Dr. Tracey Hughes

Call today for information regarding the LANAP procedure and Sedation Dentistry.  Any one of our compassionate team members can answer your questions!