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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3212.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Table 5

Abstract #106724

An effective cavity fighter with other positive features--It's a win-win situation with Xylitol!

Sandra Nagel Beebe, RDH, PhD, Dental Hygiene Clinical Instructor, School of Allied Health, ASA, MC 6615, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Carbondale, IL 62901, 618 529-7591, sbeebe@siu.edu

The material presented by the researcher will describe the benefits of xylitol to health care professionals in both dental and medical arena's. A brief outline of the xylitol history would begin with the discovery in the late 19th century by French and German chemists, the Soviet's using xylitol for decades as a sweetner for diabetics, Chinese medical purposes, Germany's intravenous feeding, prevention of acute otitis media in Finland, and our major concern, fighting tooth decay and dry mouth. Basic facts will be introduced highlighting xylitol facts from studies demonstrating the positive effects. Facts to be considered are: what is xylitol, explanation of the differences between other sweetners, development and availability of xylitol naturally occurring in nature, course of acid attack, why the material is tooth friendly, safety of product, relief for dry mouth, daily amounts recommended and tolerated, importance in caries prevention, and possible new techniques for daily care. A further discussion would evolve with the benefits of dental care combined with other medical situations. In a Finnish study (1998), Uhari, Kontiokari, and Niemela found when xylitol sugar was given in a syrup or chewing gum, it was effective in preventing Acute Otitis Media and decreased the need for antimicrobials. Pro's and con's will be identified with the availability for purchase in the United States.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, one will be able to

Keywords: Oral Health, Health Promotion

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

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The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA