CDHP's Dr. Burton Edelstein on NPR- Gum: A Stick A Day May Keep The Dentist Away

JULY 21, 2009--You've seen the claims on sugarless gum wrappers. Packages of Orbit say the chewing gum helps strengthen the teeth. And a package of Trident gum containing xylitol says it helps prevent cavities. So are these claims solid? …Oral health experts say the popularity of sugar-free gums has been one step in the improvement of children's oral health. Since consuming lots of sucrose — or table sugar — can lead to cavities, there's a benefit simply in taking it out of gum … Pediatric dentists say it's important to remember that xylitol is not a magic bullet in fighting tooth decay. Parents need to stay on top of all the other known prevention methods. "Control of the diet, regular use of fluoride toothpaste and good ongoing supervision by a dentist are all important," says Burton Edelstein of the College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University.