If you think your animal has had any exposure at all to xylitol, you should take your pet to the animal hospital ASAP. Between 30 minutes to 24 hours is when the symptoms start to show. Getting them to the hospital ASAP is key, DO NOT wait until they show symptoms.
After ingestion the liver is significantly damaged causing a massive insulin release. The insulin causes a drop in the blood sugar that can lead to siezures or death. The dog's body then loses its ability to clot blood, due to the liver damage. They will start bleeding internally and out of body orifices. Vets treat them by hooking them up to fluids and monitoring their blood glucose, keeping their liver as healthy as possible and doing blood transfusions when necessary. If the dog has been taken immediately for care and makes it through three days of supervised treatment, they have an improved chance of survival.
There have been studies done with rabbits' exposure to xylitol, and no adverse affects were shown. There hasn't been a single case reported in the AVMA Journal with cats. But still, keep xylitol away from all animals. According to Drs. Lynch and Ferris this is one of the worst toxicity cases they are aware of. With the increase in the use of xylitol the number of reported incidents has more than doubled each year and expected to be around 300 in 2006.
We will keep you apprised of updates about this concern with xylitol and pets as we get them. We have no concerns about the safety of xylitol in humans. It has been thoroughly researched. The only side affect in humans is osmotic diarrhea if too much is ingested. If you have any questions, please call Smile Design Center at 751-7775 or Coastal Animal Clinic at 632-3800.
After ingestion the liver is significantly damaged causing a massive insulin release. The insulin causes a drop in the blood sugar that can lead to siezures or death. The dog's body then loses its ability to clot blood, due to the liver damage. They will start bleeding internally and out of body orifices. Vets treat them by hooking them up to fluids and monitoring their blood glucose, keeping their liver as healthy as possible and doing blood transfusions when necessary. If the dog has been taken immediately for care and makes it through three days of supervised treatment, they have an improved chance of survival.
There have been studies done with rabbits' exposure to xylitol, and no adverse affects were shown. There hasn't been a single case reported in the AVMA Journal with cats. But still, keep xylitol away from all animals. According to Drs. Lynch and Ferris this is one of the worst toxicity cases they are aware of. With the increase in the use of xylitol the number of reported incidents has more than doubled each year and expected to be around 300 in 2006.
We will keep you apprised of updates about this concern with xylitol and pets as we get them. We have no concerns about the safety of xylitol in humans. It has been thoroughly researched. The only side affect in humans is osmotic diarrhea if too much is ingested. If you have any questions, please call Smile Design Center at 751-7775 or Coastal Animal Clinic at 632-3800.
Meet Dr. Xylitol
You may be aware of our recent enthusiasm with Xylitol; the "Sweet and Natural Way to Beat Decay". There are many other health benefits and two good articles can be found at our website click here to see our Resources
We are stocking a full line of xylitol products from gums, mints, toothpastes and gels to nasal sprays, mouth wash and the raw granular form for sweetening beverages, foods and cooking.
We are excited that for the first time we can put something sweet in our children's and our own mouths that is good for us! By using xylitol, you are getting 40% lower calories than regular sugar and helping prevent, even reverse cavities, among other healthy oral benefits. You just can't go wrong, stop by soon for a sample!
You may be aware of our recent enthusiasm with Xylitol; the "Sweet and Natural Way to Beat Decay". There are many other health benefits and two good articles can be found at our website click here to see our Resources
We are stocking a full line of xylitol products from gums, mints, toothpastes and gels to nasal sprays, mouth wash and the raw granular form for sweetening beverages, foods and cooking.
We are excited that for the first time we can put something sweet in our children's and our own mouths that is good for us! By using xylitol, you are getting 40% lower calories than regular sugar and helping prevent, even reverse cavities, among other healthy oral benefits. You just can't go wrong, stop by soon for a sample!
Health Brief - Dr Xylitol says:
Natural Awakenings
If you were at the Health Expo in March you may have heard Dr. Edwards talking about the wonderful benefits of Xylitol for preventing cavities and reversing tooth decay. The studies are in and it is an amazing breakthrough for dentistry.
What you may not know, is that xylitol helps prevent common childhood ear infections. Well controlled studies demonstrate that using xylitol sweetened products prevents the recurrence of acute otitis media. Studies indicate that it inhibits the growth of streptococcus pneumoniae one of the most common bacteria that causes these infections.
Xylitol also helps with sinus issues. It appears to 'unstick' the bacteria that adhere to the cells lining the nose and sinuses. Use of a xylitol nasal spray stimulates the body's normal defensive washing in the back of the nose, where the bacteria causing these conditions usually live. There are indications that longer xylitol use changes the nature and behavior of pathogenic bacteria in the sinuses as it does in the mouth. The washing stimulated by the spray removes other pollutants that trigger allergic reaction or asthma attacks.
Natural Awakenings
If you were at the Health Expo in March you may have heard Dr. Edwards talking about the wonderful benefits of Xylitol for preventing cavities and reversing tooth decay. The studies are in and it is an amazing breakthrough for dentistry.
What you may not know, is that xylitol helps prevent common childhood ear infections. Well controlled studies demonstrate that using xylitol sweetened products prevents the recurrence of acute otitis media. Studies indicate that it inhibits the growth of streptococcus pneumoniae one of the most common bacteria that causes these infections.
Xylitol also helps with sinus issues. It appears to 'unstick' the bacteria that adhere to the cells lining the nose and sinuses. Use of a xylitol nasal spray stimulates the body's normal defensive washing in the back of the nose, where the bacteria causing these conditions usually live. There are indications that longer xylitol use changes the nature and behavior of pathogenic bacteria in the sinuses as it does in the mouth. The washing stimulated by the spray removes other pollutants that trigger allergic reaction or asthma attacks.
How Sweet it is
Natural Awakenings
May 2006 Issue
Xylitol is a naturally derived sugar that has been found useful for preventing cavities and reversing tooth decay. In addition, xylitol helps prevent common childhood ear infections. Well controlled studies demonstrate that using xylitol sweetened products prevents the recurrence of acute otitis media. Studies indicate that it inhibits the growth of streptococcus pneumoniae one of the most common bacteria that cause these ear infections. There are two other less common types of bacteria that cause ear infections that do not respond to xylitol.
Xylitol also helps with sinus problems. It appears to 'unstick' the bacteria that adhere to the walls lining the nose and sinuses. Use of a xylitol nasal spray stimulates the body's normal defensive washing in the back of the nose and sinuses where the bacteria causing these conditions usually live. There are indications that longer xylitol use changes the nature and behavior of pathogenic bacteria in the sinuses as it does in the mouth. The washing stimulated by the spray removes other pollutants that trigger allergic reaction or asthma attacks.
Natural Awakenings
May 2006 Issue
Xylitol is a naturally derived sugar that has been found useful for preventing cavities and reversing tooth decay. In addition, xylitol helps prevent common childhood ear infections. Well controlled studies demonstrate that using xylitol sweetened products prevents the recurrence of acute otitis media. Studies indicate that it inhibits the growth of streptococcus pneumoniae one of the most common bacteria that cause these ear infections. There are two other less common types of bacteria that cause ear infections that do not respond to xylitol.
Xylitol also helps with sinus problems. It appears to 'unstick' the bacteria that adhere to the walls lining the nose and sinuses. Use of a xylitol nasal spray stimulates the body's normal defensive washing in the back of the nose and sinuses where the bacteria causing these conditions usually live. There are indications that longer xylitol use changes the nature and behavior of pathogenic bacteria in the sinuses as it does in the mouth. The washing stimulated by the spray removes other pollutants that trigger allergic reaction or asthma attacks.
A Sweet Love Affair
Health & Medicine/ Florida Today
September 2005 Issue
We Americans love sugar, and it seems like we just can't get enough of it. Per capita, the average US Citizen ingests ½ cup of the sweet stuff per day. This increased sugar consumption has created a myriad of health problems, many of which are putting an enormous strain on our health care system. Weight gain, insulin resistance, gum disease and tooth caries are just a few of the many problems resulting from our passionate affair with sugar.
During WW II, sugar shortages forced researchers to look for alternative sweeteners and they discovered xylitol. By the 60's, xylitol had been purified and was being used in Germany, Switzerland, the Soviet Union and Japan, mainly in infusion therapy for patients with insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruit, as well as corncobs and various hardwoods. It is a natural intermediate product, which regularly occurs in the glucose metabolism of man and other animals. Our own bodies actually produce Xylitol everyday.
Although it tastes and looks like sugar, xylitol is really sugar's mirror image. While sugar wreaks havoc on the body, xylitol heals and repairs. It builds immunity, protects against chronic degenerative disease and has anti-aging benefits. It is antimicrobial, and prevents the growth of bacteria. While sugar is acid forming, xylitol is alkaline enhancing. Xylitol has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbohydrates, is slowly metabolized and causes negligible changes in insulin levels. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1963 and has no known toxic levels.
Eating sugar causes tooth decay by creating a highly acidic condition in the mouth. The acidity strips tooth enamel of minerals, causing it to weaken and making it more vulnerable to bacteria, leading to demineralization and tooth decay. Xylitol reverses all these destructive effects of sugar on oral health. It is non-fermentable and therefore cannot be converted to acids by oral bacteria, so it helps to restore a proper alkaline/acid balance in the mouth. This alkaline environment is especially inhospitable to all the destructive bacteria, including streptococcus. Streptococcus bacteria love Xylitol and will even bypass sugar for it. Fortunately, the bacteria's inability to metabolize it causes them to die.
Xylitol is available in many forms and is showing up in more and more products all the time. In crystalline form it can replace table sugar and be used in cooking and baking. It is also becoming more available in toothpastes and mouthwashes as well as candy, mints and gum. The most widely available source is chewing gum. Some varieties of Orbit and Trident contain it. Local health food stores stock pure xylitol as a sugar replacement, as well as Spry gum and mints and various xylitol-sweetened mouth care products. The recommended amount of Xylitol is 4 grams a day. Xylitol needs to be in the first three listed ingredients to be in a concentration that is therapeutic and effective against decay. Chewing gum has the benefit of increasing salivary flow, which dilutes the sugar and lessens the chance of decay.
Using xylitol right before bedtime, after brushing and flossing, protects and heals the teeth and gums. Long-term use suppresses the most harmful strains of oral bacteria. Xylitol has even been shown to enhance the mineralization of the enamel. Consistent use of small amounts of xylitol tends to increase protective factors in saliva. Research has shown xylitol has a positive impact on bone density and is even able to inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause middle-ear infections in children and sinus infections in adults.
Dr Edwards and his staff at Smile Design Center are in the forefront of new research and ideas to help their patients maintain oral health.
Health & Medicine/ Florida Today
September 2005 Issue
We Americans love sugar, and it seems like we just can't get enough of it. Per capita, the average US Citizen ingests ½ cup of the sweet stuff per day. This increased sugar consumption has created a myriad of health problems, many of which are putting an enormous strain on our health care system. Weight gain, insulin resistance, gum disease and tooth caries are just a few of the many problems resulting from our passionate affair with sugar.
During WW II, sugar shortages forced researchers to look for alternative sweeteners and they discovered xylitol. By the 60's, xylitol had been purified and was being used in Germany, Switzerland, the Soviet Union and Japan, mainly in infusion therapy for patients with insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. Xylitol is a natural substance found in fibrous vegetables and fruit, as well as corncobs and various hardwoods. It is a natural intermediate product, which regularly occurs in the glucose metabolism of man and other animals. Our own bodies actually produce Xylitol everyday.
Although it tastes and looks like sugar, xylitol is really sugar's mirror image. While sugar wreaks havoc on the body, xylitol heals and repairs. It builds immunity, protects against chronic degenerative disease and has anti-aging benefits. It is antimicrobial, and prevents the growth of bacteria. While sugar is acid forming, xylitol is alkaline enhancing. Xylitol has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbohydrates, is slowly metabolized and causes negligible changes in insulin levels. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1963 and has no known toxic levels.
Eating sugar causes tooth decay by creating a highly acidic condition in the mouth. The acidity strips tooth enamel of minerals, causing it to weaken and making it more vulnerable to bacteria, leading to demineralization and tooth decay. Xylitol reverses all these destructive effects of sugar on oral health. It is non-fermentable and therefore cannot be converted to acids by oral bacteria, so it helps to restore a proper alkaline/acid balance in the mouth. This alkaline environment is especially inhospitable to all the destructive bacteria, including streptococcus. Streptococcus bacteria love Xylitol and will even bypass sugar for it. Fortunately, the bacteria's inability to metabolize it causes them to die.
Xylitol is available in many forms and is showing up in more and more products all the time. In crystalline form it can replace table sugar and be used in cooking and baking. It is also becoming more available in toothpastes and mouthwashes as well as candy, mints and gum. The most widely available source is chewing gum. Some varieties of Orbit and Trident contain it. Local health food stores stock pure xylitol as a sugar replacement, as well as Spry gum and mints and various xylitol-sweetened mouth care products. The recommended amount of Xylitol is 4 grams a day. Xylitol needs to be in the first three listed ingredients to be in a concentration that is therapeutic and effective against decay. Chewing gum has the benefit of increasing salivary flow, which dilutes the sugar and lessens the chance of decay.
Using xylitol right before bedtime, after brushing and flossing, protects and heals the teeth and gums. Long-term use suppresses the most harmful strains of oral bacteria. Xylitol has even been shown to enhance the mineralization of the enamel. Consistent use of small amounts of xylitol tends to increase protective factors in saliva. Research has shown xylitol has a positive impact on bone density and is even able to inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause middle-ear infections in children and sinus infections in adults.
Dr Edwards and his staff at Smile Design Center are in the forefront of new research and ideas to help their patients maintain oral health.
The End of Decay-
A Lesson in Oral Ecology
Natural Awakenings
September 2005 Issue
What if there was something to eat that was good for you, something as sweet as sugar that stopped and even reversed tooth decay? Well, there is! And it's called Xylitol, a natural sweetener that comes from plants and trees. To fully appreciate Xylitol, you need to understand a little bit about what goes on in your mouth.
It's all about the oral ecology, specifically the "bad boy bacteria," Streptococcus Mutans. Everyone's mouth has a mixture of bacteria, which is called the oral flora. Feed them sugar and the Strep Mutans have a party, they can't get enough of that good stuff! They feast and reproduce like crazy, ultimately dominating the flora, and create a sticky byproduct that adheres to the teeth. Mix in bacteria and you have dental plaque. Another byproduct of this feeding frenzy is acid. Once the acid lowers the pH below 5.6, conditions are right for the demineralization of the enamel of the tooth. As demineralization progresses, it creates a latticework that enables the bacteria to get through to the dentin, which is the inner part of the tooth. There the party continues. The bacteria feast on the dentin, the more organic, softer part of the tooth. This is the disease process we call dental caries. As the process continues, the latticework collapses, enamel falls apart (cavitates) and then we have a cavity, which needs drilling and filling. If left untreated, the bacteria march on until they reach the dental pulp, infection ensues, and the tooth dies. This causes pain, and you will need either a root canal or an extraction. Ouch!
Relatively good brushing and flossing, even adding mouthwash, were still no match to the bacteria, and decay could still be found. Enter Xylitol, "the good guys"! We now feed the bad bacteria something they love, but they can't metabolize it. Xylitol stops the acid secretion and decreases the sticky substance that we call plaque. The numbers of Strep Mutans dwindle, good bacteria fill in, the pH starts rising and the same minerals that were dissolved out of the enamel are now able to return and rebuild the tooth, thereby warding off any future bacterial invaders. The bad bacteria inside the tooth die. The enamel of the tooth can now heal itself and early stages of caries can actually be reversed!
Xylitol is the natural sweetener that makes this happen. If enough of it is fed to the bacteria for an extended period of time, the Strep Mutans bacterial population is drastically reduced. When you use a maintenance dose, the population remains low and a more beneficial flora establishes itself. The use of Xylitol is a significant part of a program to reduce and even reverse dental disease. The cornerstone of oral health is brushing and flossing to remove the plaque from the teeth. Combine home care with regular professional cleaning by a dental hygienist; add toothpaste with fluoride and bioavailable minerals and the bad bacteria don't have a chance. The party is over!
How much Xylitol to use and for how long is still being researched, but it is believed that between 4-12 grams a day in spread out doses is the amount needed. A recent study in Washington has recommended a minimum of 6 grams a day. In as short a period as a few weeks, the flora can change. To accomplish this, the Xylitol has to be in high enough levels, which is why products designed for this use are usually not mixed or diluted with other sweeteners, as are Trident and Orbit gums. Gums and mints are the easiest way to get the doses during the day, and Xylitol toothpaste or gel and mouthwash are a logical addition. A program that fits your budget and lifestyle can be designed with the help of Dr. Xylitol and his team.
Just imagine a world without cavities, dental pain, root canals, and extractions! It's now possible and can be true for you. As an added benefit, Xylitol is used to prevent and help treat ear and nasal infections without antibiotics. Streptococcal cousins to Strep Mutans in the mouth are the cause of these infections. When you use Xylitol, these bacteria lose their ability to adhere, their population drops and healing sets in. Xylitol nasal spray can place the helpful solution right where it's needed most. This can be a godsend to all the young children who suffer from middle ear infections. There are many other benefits to Xylitol.
A Lesson in Oral Ecology
Natural Awakenings
September 2005 Issue
What if there was something to eat that was good for you, something as sweet as sugar that stopped and even reversed tooth decay? Well, there is! And it's called Xylitol, a natural sweetener that comes from plants and trees. To fully appreciate Xylitol, you need to understand a little bit about what goes on in your mouth.
It's all about the oral ecology, specifically the "bad boy bacteria," Streptococcus Mutans. Everyone's mouth has a mixture of bacteria, which is called the oral flora. Feed them sugar and the Strep Mutans have a party, they can't get enough of that good stuff! They feast and reproduce like crazy, ultimately dominating the flora, and create a sticky byproduct that adheres to the teeth. Mix in bacteria and you have dental plaque. Another byproduct of this feeding frenzy is acid. Once the acid lowers the pH below 5.6, conditions are right for the demineralization of the enamel of the tooth. As demineralization progresses, it creates a latticework that enables the bacteria to get through to the dentin, which is the inner part of the tooth. There the party continues. The bacteria feast on the dentin, the more organic, softer part of the tooth. This is the disease process we call dental caries. As the process continues, the latticework collapses, enamel falls apart (cavitates) and then we have a cavity, which needs drilling and filling. If left untreated, the bacteria march on until they reach the dental pulp, infection ensues, and the tooth dies. This causes pain, and you will need either a root canal or an extraction. Ouch!
Relatively good brushing and flossing, even adding mouthwash, were still no match to the bacteria, and decay could still be found. Enter Xylitol, "the good guys"! We now feed the bad bacteria something they love, but they can't metabolize it. Xylitol stops the acid secretion and decreases the sticky substance that we call plaque. The numbers of Strep Mutans dwindle, good bacteria fill in, the pH starts rising and the same minerals that were dissolved out of the enamel are now able to return and rebuild the tooth, thereby warding off any future bacterial invaders. The bad bacteria inside the tooth die. The enamel of the tooth can now heal itself and early stages of caries can actually be reversed!
Xylitol is the natural sweetener that makes this happen. If enough of it is fed to the bacteria for an extended period of time, the Strep Mutans bacterial population is drastically reduced. When you use a maintenance dose, the population remains low and a more beneficial flora establishes itself. The use of Xylitol is a significant part of a program to reduce and even reverse dental disease. The cornerstone of oral health is brushing and flossing to remove the plaque from the teeth. Combine home care with regular professional cleaning by a dental hygienist; add toothpaste with fluoride and bioavailable minerals and the bad bacteria don't have a chance. The party is over!
How much Xylitol to use and for how long is still being researched, but it is believed that between 4-12 grams a day in spread out doses is the amount needed. A recent study in Washington has recommended a minimum of 6 grams a day. In as short a period as a few weeks, the flora can change. To accomplish this, the Xylitol has to be in high enough levels, which is why products designed for this use are usually not mixed or diluted with other sweeteners, as are Trident and Orbit gums. Gums and mints are the easiest way to get the doses during the day, and Xylitol toothpaste or gel and mouthwash are a logical addition. A program that fits your budget and lifestyle can be designed with the help of Dr. Xylitol and his team.
Just imagine a world without cavities, dental pain, root canals, and extractions! It's now possible and can be true for you. As an added benefit, Xylitol is used to prevent and help treat ear and nasal infections without antibiotics. Streptococcal cousins to Strep Mutans in the mouth are the cause of these infections. When you use Xylitol, these bacteria lose their ability to adhere, their population drops and healing sets in. Xylitol nasal spray can place the helpful solution right where it's needed most. This can be a godsend to all the young children who suffer from middle ear infections. There are many other benefits to Xylitol.
There has been recent news about dogs ingesting xylitol and the serious adverse affects. The information has been backed up by two of our Veterinarian friends Drs. Kelly Lynch and Beth Ferris from Coastal Animal Hospital in Rockledge.
A recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs that ingested xylitol became seriously ill with many dying. The apparent cause is liver failure. It has been known for awhile that xylitol could affect dogs' blood sugar, but only recently has the link between xylitol and possible fatal liver damage been made.
A recent article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that dogs that ingested xylitol became seriously ill with many dying. The apparent cause is liver failure. It has been known for awhile that xylitol could affect dogs' blood sugar, but only recently has the link between xylitol and possible fatal liver damage been made.
Xylitol + Dogs = NO
Xylitol Published Articles:
Dr. Edwards on Secrets to Healthy Living
Radio Broadcast
January 30th 2007 at 9:00pm
Dr Edwards, aka Dr Xylitol, will be the guest on Secrets to Healthy Living hosted by Shannon Burnett, this Tuesday, January 30th at 9:00pm. Tune into internet radio at its finest on www.tropicwaveradio.net or at www.consciouslivingpartnership.org This program will be streaming live video.
Dr. Edwards will be speaking about the amazing health benefits of xylitol, the new findings connecting periodontal disease to pancreatic cancer, the Waterlase MD and dental implants.
Listeners can call in live at 321-253-9335. This show will be archived at www.tropicwaveradio.net.
Radio Broadcast
January 30th 2007 at 9:00pm
Dr Edwards, aka Dr Xylitol, will be the guest on Secrets to Healthy Living hosted by Shannon Burnett, this Tuesday, January 30th at 9:00pm. Tune into internet radio at its finest on www.tropicwaveradio.net or at www.consciouslivingpartnership.org This program will be streaming live video.
Dr. Edwards will be speaking about the amazing health benefits of xylitol, the new findings connecting periodontal disease to pancreatic cancer, the Waterlase MD and dental implants.
Listeners can call in live at 321-253-9335. This show will be archived at www.tropicwaveradio.net.
