Dental sealants

Article Abstract:

Dental sealants should be covered by dental insurance. These sealants are applied to the surface of teeth to prevent tooth decay. They are very effective in this regard, but a 1991 survey found that only 19% of children 5 to 17 years old had one or more teeth sealed. Children who would benefit most from sealants include those with existing pits and fissures that may develop cavities or those with risk factors for cavities. The American Dental Association has prepared brochures, posters and videotapes extolling the virtues of sealants.

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The use of sorbitol- and xylitol-sweetened chewing gum in caries control

Article Abstract:

The details of sorbitol and xylotal, sweeteners used in several sugar-free chewing gums, are presented. Xylitol-sweetened gum inhibits plaque accumulation and reduces oral mutans streptococci levels. Chewing xylitol-sweetened gum and to a lesser extent, sorbitol-sweetened gum, can prevent caries.

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Maintaining mutans streptococci suppression with xylitol chewing gum

Article Abstract:

Xylitol chewing gum can suppress Streptococcus mutans, the bacterium that causes tooth decay. This is necessary because bacterial levels can return to normal very quickly after using a chlorhexidine mouthrinse.

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