377th Dental Squadron helps fight against tooth decay

Published Nov. 8, 2012
377th Dental Squadron

KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. -- Xylitol is a funny-sounding word that packs a powerful punch when it comes to reducing tooth decay.

The natural sweetener is in many items that most people come into contact with often. This includes several of the fruits and vegetables we eat daily, as well as the bark from certain trees, and surprisingly, from corncobs.

The 377th Dental Squadron has harnessed the potential of xylitol and created a way to get it to active-duty patients who are most at risk for tooth decay. These at-risk populations include active-duty members who deploy and those who are enrolled in the squadron's High Caries Risk program.

"Airmen who are struggling with tooth decay or are set to deploy are the ones we target with this amazing product. The research shows great promise in reducing cavities and even restoring enamel on teeth that have just started decaying," said Lt. Col. Doug Littlefield, commander of the 377th Dental Squadron.

The goal is to get a "Cavity-Free Kit" filled with an array of xylitol-containing gum, mints, toothpaste and oral rinse to those Airmen, in an effort to break the chain of tooth decay.
Senior Airman Kyle Folterman, who runs the squadron's High Caries Risk Program, explained the kit's benefits.

"For many deployed Airmen, good oral hygiene becomes an afterthought due to work schedules and austere conditions. These products make it very easy for someone to keep their teeth in great shape."

Active-duty Airmen from the 377th Air Base Wing who are tasked to deploy or are enrolled in the High Caries Risk program will be issued one of these kits, along with a set of easy-to-use instructions.

Even though there are more xylitol-containing products on store shelves now, most of them do not contain the amount of xylitol required to reap the benefits.
It is recommended that people get 6 to 8 grams of xylitol each day for best results.
The product being dispensed by the 377 DS contains one of the highest amounts of xylitol on the market.

Coincidentally, xylitol has been shown to be great for children whose permanent teeth are starting to erupt into their mouths. In addition to reduced cavities, there is research to show that those who use the appropriate amount of xylitol daily have fewer ear and upper respiratory infections.

The only reported downside to xylitol is directed at pet owners.

Folterman cautions, "If you have pets, especially dogs, keep it away from them, as it can make them very ill. Other than that, just use as directed."

USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez)