Small Change Yields Big Results

By Dr. John Peldyak, DMD

This is the time of year when New Year’s resolutions are made to maintain and improve health.

Some of these resolutions involve drastic changes and may prove difficult to implement. They often involve sacrifice and denial. Many of these good intentions will fail to produce desired improvements and eventually be abandoned.

Ideally, healthy changes do not have to involve be difficult, expensive, or uncomfortable. One easy way to begin is to consider a “health upgrade” on some common sweetened products your family already uses. Xylitol is a natural, health-promoting sweetener that can replace sugar in many applications. Overall costs are similar, and there is no sacrifice or denial involved.

1. Make a Small Change

Replace ordinary chewing gum with 100% xylitol-sweetened gum, such as Spry.

A large scientific study conducted in Belize (Central America) conclusively demonstrated the value of making this small, effortless change. Instead of using regular sugar-sweetened chewing gum, one group used gum 100% sweetened with xylitol. Many participants believed that xylitol gum tasted as good or better than regular gum. The xylitol group enjoyed a huge benefit in improved dental health, with more than 80% reduction in tooth decay.

2. Keep It Simple

Look for opportunities to replace sugar with xylitol.

In certain situations, especially in products that can affect oral health, it is easy to eliminate sugar in favor of health-promoting xylitol. Think about using xylitol mints instead of ordinary breath mints. If you use hard candy or lemon drops to soothe a dry mouth, switch to a comparable Spry xylitol mint. Children and adults appreciate the natural fruit flavors (and added calcium!) in xylitol-sweetened SparX candy. Try a teaspoon of xylitol in herbal tea. Xylitol tastes just as good as sugar and will help teeth instead of harming them. Xylitol will not upset blood sugar levels (Glycemic Index is 7), and is lower in calories than sucrose (table sugar).

3. Make One Easy Addition

Follow your toothbrushing with Xlear Nasal Wash.

If you have already established a “healthy habit” of brushing your teeth twice every day, congratulations! Make sure your toothpaste and mouthwash contains xylitol for maximum dental benefit.

Here is a suggestion to make your toothbrushing ritual even better: Keep a container of Xlear Nasal Wash next to the toothpaste. Immediately after brushing your teeth, spray each nostril twice with Xlear.
Xlear is a saline/xylitol spray that effectively washes the nasal passages. Spraying with Xlear decreases the adherence of harmful bacteria and environmental irritants to surface cells in the nose and throat. Xlear spray also stimulates the body’s own natural washing defenses. Regular Xlear users report fewer upper respiratory complaints.

Conclusion

Using xylitol to help clean your teeth and wash your nose is a winning combination that will strengthen your natural defenses. Health begins in the mouth and nose – with everything we consume and breathe.

Xylitol is a convenient and pleasant ingredient for promoting our best health.