This summer, Cleveland Clinic researchers published a study that revealed the harmful effects of xylitol, a common sugar substitute used in dentistry to treat xerostomia and control caries. As it turned out, a high amount of this compound may cause stroke, heart attacks, and thrombosis.
Research provoked a wave of sharp headlines, but only for a while – nobody seemed impressed. And there are reasons for it!
Recently, Dentistry IQ – a popular dental media – published a video review of this research, in which Dr. Tom Viola, a clinician educator and speaker, shared his opinion about the severity of this discovery and its consequences for dental practice.
Should we be worried?
Briefly – no. The first Dr. Viola's statement – is that we need more data about the potential problem. There were 3000 participants involved in the study, and 1/3 of them who often used products with xylitol have a problem with the cardiovascular system.
This information is not enough to make a solid statement that compound causes cardiovascular problems – however, this discovery shows that further research into the issue is needed.
How will it affect the business?
So, you will not have a heart attack after brushing your teeth with xylitol-containing toothpaste. However, such research should lead to the emergence of the first dialogues about possible alternatives for xylitol in the scientific and business community.
Still, there is no probability that this discovery will affect the current dental material-producing market in recent times because the problem is poorly studied, and the consequences of xylitol use are obviously not catastrophic.
