Trade Sugar for Xylitol This Holiday Season
October 28, 2013
On Thursday, Halloween will come and go, signaling the start of the holiday season. From now until the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2013, homes and offices will be awash in holiday treats.
At The Dentists at Orenco Station, we want you to enjoy everything the holidays have to offer, but we also want you to enjoy good oral and overall health. To help with that, we recommend that our Hillsboro patients trade conventional sugar for xylitol.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibers of plants and can be substituted with sugar for baking at a ratio of 1:1. But the key thing to note here is how differently it responds to the bacteria in the mouth. Sugar responds to bacteria by creating acid, which damages teeth and creates cavities. That’s not the case with xylitol, which creates a neutral environment safe for teeth instead.
Because of how different the response is, why not consider making a switch? You can use xylitol for baking, but you can also find candies that have been sweetened with it. To find candies sweetened with xylitol, explore sites like Dr. John’s Candies and Ice Chips. You can also find xylitol products at your nearest health food store.
Do you have questions for Dr. Brandon Kearbey and Dr. Malinda Kearbey? Call us today to ask, or to schedule your next appointment. Our office is located in Hillsboro and serves patients from Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, and Rock Creek.
Acid Reflux and Your Oral Health
October 3, 2013
A touch of heartburn from time to time is inconvenient and uncomfortable but nothing to worry about. Experiencing heartburn several times a week, on the other hand, is. Not only can it make life uncomfortable, it’s a symptom of a condition known as acid reflex disease. Other symptoms of acid reflux disease include:
- Nausea
- Bloating or burping
- Hiccups
- Regurgitation
- Black/bloody stools or bloody vomiting
- Weight loss
- Wheezing, hoarseness, sore throat, or dry cough
Of all the problems acid reflux disease can cause, though, you might be surprised to learn that it can also have an impact on your oral health. That’s because of how acid reflux works.
When a patient has acid reflux, a small amount of stomach acid ends up in the esophagus. If this acid comes into contact with your teeth, it can damage the protective layer of enamel on the outside. Signs that acid may have damaged your teeth include:
- Pain or irritation
- Teeth that have shortened or thinned
- Teeth with short edges
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
You can make sure your teeth are protected with regular care at The Dentists at Orenco Station in Hillsboro. During every visit with Dr. Brandon Kearbey or Dr. Malinda Kearbey, we’ll look for changes in your oral health that might indicate the presence of decay or gum disease. If we find anything during your appointment, we can put together a treatment plan immediately.
Is it time for your next checkup with our Hillsboro dental team? Call us today for an appointment. The Dentists at Orenco Station serves patients from Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Beaverton, Cornelius, and Rock Creek.