by: Terri H Ritchie, MS, CCN
The American Association for Oral Systemic Health (AAOSH) is a new organization that is starting to investigate how dental health relates to medical and nutritional issues. The dentists who participate in the association believe that once communities are educated in the link between dental conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, they will hopefully make the effort towards better dental health.
According to the AAOSH, one of the most important additions to maintain good oral health is the use of Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that looks, tastes, and smells like sugar, but has only 1/3 the calories and will not raise blood sugar, making it a valuable food for those with diabetes or insulin resistance. Another of the most important links between Xylitol and dental health has been demonstrated in the mother-child relationship. Several international studies have found that if pregnant women chewed gum that used Xylitol as the sweetener, several times a day, there was a 70% reduction in dental cavities in their children. Other studies have also demonstrated that if Xylitol gels are placed on the babies gums just before tooth eruption, the same benefit of oral health can be achieved.
Terri H Ritchie, MS, CCN
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
“Your Health is YOUR Responsibility”