Xylitol and Salt Water Rinses for Better Dental Health?

Xylitol Update    In the last email, I praised the value of xylitol for better dental health.   I mentioned that it had been used for dental health in Finland since WWII when the dentists noticed that people were getting less cavities and less gum disease.     A customer wrote to me and reminded me of something I didn't mention but should have.   While xylitol is safe for humans and we have a pathway to metabolize it, many pets do not.   If you choose to use xylitol, don't let your pets eat any of it.      It's sweet, much like regular sugar but with 1/3 the calories.   It helps to balance pH in your mouth after a cup of coffee or acidic fruits or other food or drink of acid value.      Acid is a problem for your teeth and gums.  Many foods (like fruit) alkalize the body and are popular in nutrition and fitness worlds.  But, the problem is that that alkalizing process happens in or after the stomach.  While that food or drink is in your mouth, it is acidic.      Salt Water Rinses    Sometimes I like to ask the hygienists questions when they clean my teeth, just to see what they say.  Recently, I asked a hygienist about what mouthwash to use ( I know that many mouthwashes are really not so good).  To my surprise, she said, "keep it simple, use a salt water rinse".       While I had heard of that before, I hadn't thought about it for a long time.   I rediscovered that it is helpful.  I use a salt grinder and I use Himalayan salt. I would choose Celtic sea salt as an alternative.   I would not use regular table salt.    I grind the salt into a cup of warm water and use it as a rinse after I clean my teeth or use the HydroFloss.  I get an even fresher clean feeling after doing the salt water rinse.     What is special about salt?  If you remember your basic chemistry or biochem, you'll remember that salt creates an osmotic pressure.     One great thing about this is that you can take advantage of a basic difference between  bacterial cells and human cells.  Bacterial cells do not have pumps to get rid of salt.  Human cells do.  So the bacterial cell membrane can be ripped apart in the presence of salt.     Human cells are able to pump excess salt out of the cell. Therefore, they are usually unharmed by salt (except in extreme cases)    There are other reasons a salt rinse is good for your dental health.   If you know the one or more other reasons, reply and let me know and maybe I will include your contribution in the next email.     HydroFloss    The hydrofloss continues to be, in my opinion, the number one item you can use at home to help shrink your gum pockets and possibly get you to a healthy gum situation.  I would define that as periodontal pockets at 3mm or less.       Some customers are not able to achieve that.  I often find they are not optimizing their use of the hydrofloss.  A simple adjustment in routine can sometimes make a big difference.   This is one area where I can usually help my customers.   I'm not a dentist, but I can share my experiences, information and ideas as well as the experiences of those whom I've spoken with over the years.  This is also an area where I can add value compared to some others out there.    The HydroFloss and parts for it can be found at the following two locations   1. ToothyGrins.net    2. ToothyGrinsStore.com       -David      Author:  What You Should Know About Gum Disease - The Layman's Guide to Fighting Gum Disease PS:  This is for information purposes only.  If you have or think you have any dental health issues, be sure to seek out a local qualified dentist who can help you.  If you have a loose adult tooth, go to a periodontist immediately.