Xylitol gum or mints used 4 times a day may prevent transmission of cariogenic bacteria to infants.
Helps reduce the development of dental caries
A “sugar” that bacteria can’t use easily
Resists fermentation by mouth bacteria
Reduces plaque formation
Increases salivary flow to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel
Recent evidence suggests that the use of xylitol chewing gum by mothers has a significant impact on decreasing their child’s caries rates. It is recommended that to be effective, 4 to 12 g of xylitol is needed per day (gum and mints contain about 1 g each). Ideally xylitol should be taken/chewed for 5 to 20 minutes, 4 times per day between meals.
Note: If the mother has temporomandibular dysfunction, chewing gum of any kind may be painful. In this case sucking on xylitol mints is preferable.
