|
We are always telling children that too many sweets will make their teeth rot.
Yet sugar-free alternatives are frequently packed with aspartame - a controversial artificial sweetener that, while approved for use in food and beverages, has long been a subject of debate thanks to concerns regarding potential side effects.
Now one company has unveiled a line of sugar-free sweets they say is not only 100% natural, but contains an ingredient that actively protects against tooth decay.
Healthy sweeting: Peppersmith say their tingz can help protect against tooth decay
Peppersmith's tingz, which are billed as 'sugar-free and good for teeth', come in two flavours, including strawberry and vanilla and orange and mandarin.
The little round sweets are made with 100 per cent xylitol, a natural ingredient derived from birch trees that is a polyol, or sugar alcohol.
The substance, which tastes similar to sugar but has 40 per cent fewer calories and a lower GI, is widely approved in the medical industry as an aid against tooth decay.
On their website, Peppersmith say that xylitol’s ability to reduce plaque and tooth decay has been demonstrated in 'hundreds of clinical and field studies'. It reduces the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth by 90 per cent, they say.
'At the moment, xylitol-containing confectionery is endorsed by over 15 major dental associations worldwide, including the British Dental Health Foundation and the FDI (Federation Dental International),' they say.
WHAT'S IN TINGZ?
Xylitol* (sweetener), gum arabic (thickener), calcium stearate** (anti-caking agent), carnauba wax (glazing agent), strawberry and vanilla (natural flavours), tomato lycopene (natural colour).
*from beech trees
**from vegetable sources
There is evidence elsewhere to support the prescribed use of xylitol. In Sweden and Finland, children in schools are given sweets containing xylitol to protect their teeth after their meals.
So how does it work? On their site, Peppersmith outline the process in detail. They say that tooth decay starts off with bacteria in the mouth called Streptococcus Mutans.
'These bacteria form the plaque that builds on teeth and in turn causes decay,' they say.
'When you eat, the sugars in food give these bacteria energy, and they multiply and start producing acids.
'When the pH in the mouth eventually drops below a pH of 5.5, the surface of the tooth enamel starts dissolving. This same process happens after every snack or meal and if it continues, eventually the surface of the tooth will collapse resulting in decay.
'When you eat xylitol it stops this acid attack because the Streptococcus Mutans can’t ferment xylitol and in fact the number of bacteria can fall by as much as 90 per cent.
'The result is that the acids aren’t formed and the pH doesn’t drop. Xylitol also affects the enzymes in the bacteria meaning they don’t stick to the teeth as well. This also means plaque is easier to remove.
Revolutionary: Dental professionals say that xylitol, which is a natural sugar originally derived from beech trees, is the most important advance in dentistry since fluoride
Health professionals on both side of the Atlantic support Peppersmith's claims.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says it 'recognises the benefits of caries preventive strategies involving sugar substitutes, particularly xylitol, on the oral health of infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs.
They have a policy that assists oral health care professionals in making informed decisions about the use of xylitol-based products in caries prevention.
The British Dental Association inspected the Peppersmith product and endorsed the brand's claims that eating tingz with Xylitol is good for dental health, helps reduce plaque, reduces the risk of tooth decay and helps maintain healthier teeth.
In the Times, Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation says x ylitol 'may be the biggest advance against caries since fluoride'.
He says that in Scandinavia, where free xylitol is regularly given to children in schools and nurseries, teeth tend to be better. He says he uses xylitol every day - 'I have some xylitol mints in my desk drawer. If you look at the evidence it is overwhelming that xylitol works' - and says he recommends its use.
'If a child gets it a couple of times a day, they will get less decay,' he says.
PEPPERSMITH TELLS THE STORY BEHIND XYLITOL
Peppersmith tingz are sugar free. Instead we make them with xylitol. In fact they’re a whopping 92% xylitol by weight, meaning each bag contains nearly 14g of the stuff (each sweet is just over 0.5g).
Xylitol eh. Itâ €™s got a bit of a strange name. What is it?
It’s a polyol (a sugar alcohol) and was first made from Finnish birch trees in the early 1900s. It’s name comes from ‘xylon’, which is just the Greek for wood (think xylophone).
Most living things naturally produce xylitol including trees, fruits, plants, animals and even people. The human body produces up to 15g of xylitol each day. In some parts of the world xylitol is made from corn cobs but we prefer to get ours from beech trees. This way we can be sure there are no GMOs in our ingredients and that it’s 100% sustainably sourced.
Why do you use it?
Our mission has always been to make stuff that tastes good & does you good and xylitol delivers on both these things. It’s also naturally derived and sustainably sourced.
It’s great for making sweets as it has a similar taste profile to sugar but it’s lower in calories (a bout 40% less), has a lower GI (7) and has well established passive and active dental health benefits.
Good for teeth you say?
Yep. Xylitol’s ability to reduce plaque and tooth decay has been demonstrated in hundreds of clinical and field studies. At the moment, xylitol containing confectionery is endorsed by over 15 major dental associations worldwide, including the British Dental Health Foundation and the FDI (Federation Dental International).
How does it work?
Tooth decay starts off with nasty bacteria in the mouth called Streptococcus Mutans. These bacteria form the plaque that builds on teeth and in-turn causes decay. When you eat, the sugars in food give these bacteria energy, and they multiply and start producing acids.
When the pH in the mouth eventually drops below a pH of 5.5, the surface of the tooth enamel starts dissolving. This same process happens after every snack or meal and if it continues, eventually the surface of the tooth will collapse resulting in decay.
When you eat Xylitol it stops this acid attack because the Streptococcus Mutans can’t ferment xylitol and in fact the number of bacteria can fall by as much as 90%. The result is that the acids aren’t formed and the pH doesn’t drop. Xylitol also affects the enzymes in the bacteria meaning they don’t stick to the teeth as well. This also means plaque is easier to remove.
How can I make sure I’m getting all these benefits?
The ideal amount of xylitol to eat is between 5g and 10g per day. Importantly, these should be split into several servings, ideally after each meal or snack (when there’s risk of acid attack). Try and keep the tingz in your mouth for at least a minute.
OMG does this mean I never have to clean my teeth again?
Absolutely 100% definitely NOT. Xylitol isnâ €™t a miracle cure, it’s just a very useful extra tool to help keep your teeth healthy. You should still brush at least twice daily, use a good mouthwash and regularly visit your dentist.
Hmm this all sounds very good but how do I know you’re not pulling my plonker?
We took tingz to some people that are much older, wiser and generally more trustworthy than us (the British Dental Health Foundation) and their panel of academics and dental health professionals accredited the range and endorsed the following claims:
• Eating Peppersmith tingz with Xylitol is good for dental health
• Eating Peppersmith tingz with Xylitol helps reduce plaque
• Eating Peppersmith tingz with Xylitol reduces the risk of tooth decay
• Eat Peppersmith tingz for healthier teeth
• Eat Peppersmith tingz after meals, two to three times
SOURCE : www.tingz.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment