Everyone knows Halloween and candy are inseparable. But you also know that sugar isn’t good for your smile. When sugar comes into contact with the bacteria in your mouth, that leads to the creation of acid, which then causes decay and cavities. A little candy, followed by brushing and flossing, won’t hurt, but you should avoid consuming large amounts—something that’s especially hard during these last few months of the year.
That’s why Dr. Ed Dooley wants to recommend switching to xylitol for this Halloween and beyond. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that responds differently to bacteria in the mouth. Instead of creating acid, it makes your mouth more neutral, which also makes it hard for harmful bacteria to cling to teeth and cause cavities. That’s why some natural toothpaste brands use xylitol as the key cavity-fighting ingredient instead of fluoride.
Beyond this, xylitol is used to sweeten certain brands of candy, like Ice Chips or Dr. John’s Candies. It can also be substituted for sugar in baking, with a ratio of 1:1.
Do you want to learn more about xylitol and how it can be used? Call Dooley Dental today with your questions or for an appointment. We’re happy to serve patients from Spring Lake, Avon, Brielle, Manasquan, Belmar, Wall Township, and the surrounding New Jersey cities.
