MANILA, Philippines - Current statistics show that nine out of every 10 Filipino children have cavities and suffer from tooth decay, and that 92.4 percent of all Filipinos have dental caries.
Unfortunately, oral health greatly impacts the development of children as well as their overall quality of life. Oral health does not only affect an individual physically, but also psychologically. It can influence how one looks, speaks, chews, tastes food, enjoys life, grows, and even socializes with others.
Not many people are aware that tooth decay, caused by bacteria known as Streptococcus mutans, can be easily transmitted to others. In fact, infants aged nine months and below exhibit no signs of this tooth decay-causing bacteria yet, and are first infected by it from their mother at roughly age nine to 13 months.
However, mothers found to regularly consume xylitol for a period of two years from the birth of their child were able to greatly reduce the chance of their children getting tooth decay. Two-year-old children whose mothers consumed xylitol had up to 70 percent less tooth decay compared to children whose mothers only used fluoride toothpaste, according to Dr. Fina Lopez, DMD.
Xylitol is a 100 percent natural sweetener that was first derived from birch trees in the 20th century. Initially discovered and used as a sugar substitute, this sweetener is comparable to table sugar or sucrose – but with only two-thirds the food energy and 75 percent of the calories.
Xylitol is sweeter than sorbitol and is as sweet as sucrose, making it the ideal substitute to cavity-causing sweeteners.
It is widely known that sweets are bad for the teeth. Xylitol, however, is an exception. In fact, xylitol is predominantly used in dental health products such as dental health candy, dental health drops, and dental health gum.
According to Soi Kitaguchi, general manager of Lotte Confectionery Pilipinas, Lotte Xylitol is the first dental health gum in the Philippines and the only dental health gum recognized by the Philippine Dental Association. It is sugar-free because it contains over 50 percent xylitol as a sugar substitute. It reduces cavity-causing bacteria that feed on sugar, and creates acids that dissolve tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay.
Lotte Xylitol promotes saliva flow in order to maintain healthy pH levels in the mouth, which prevents the demineralization of tooth enamel. It removes food particles that may be left behind, and also helps remove stubborn tartar on teeth surfaces by promoting chewing action.
This dental health gum keeps the teeth healthy and strong, prevents plaque and cavity build-up, and is effective in avoiding common dental problems such as bad breath and tooth decay.
Unlike other sweeteners that can damage the teeth and gums when consumed in excess amounts, Lotte Xylitol is definitely an ideal addition to one’s dental habits. It complements other practices such as visiting the dentist regularly, brushing the teeth, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash.
Make It Zero
Lotte Xylitol has been touring various schools nationwide since 2009, and it continues to persuade both parents and their children to embrace good oral hygiene and habits.
This year, the brand is launching the Make It Zero program that encourages Filipino parents’ commitment and support to zero cavities. The program not only aims to increase awareness on oral health through the education of parents, but also to empower them to share this knowledge with their families, and ultimately achieve a cavity-free life for the entire family, said Therese Reyes, Lotte marketing manager.
How can families improve their dental health? Apart from visiting the dentist regularly, Lotte Xylitol strongly recommends that family members eat a well-balanced diet, brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, and remember to floss after brushing. For maximum dental health, both children and adults should also chew on two pellets of Lotte Xylitol dental health gum four to five times on a daily basis.
Lotte Xylitol dental health gum is available in bottles and blister packs, and comes in three flavors: blueberry mint, fresh mint, and lime mint. It is reasonably priced and can be found in leading supermarkets and drugstores across the Philippines. For more information, visit http://www.lottexylitolgum.com/.