Xylitol gum?

[SabbraCadabra]

So I was running low on gum, and thought I would try out this xylitol that everyone's raving about...well...I don't think I can do it =) The flavor isn't too terrible, but it kind of burns like mouth wash, and feels like it's drying out my mouth instead of promoting saliva. It's spearmint flavor, so it shouldn't be the flavor itself that's causing the burning sensation, I assume it's the xylitol.

Anyone else?

I think from here on I'm just going to stick with regular old sugar, with what few companies still make it that way. Aspartame? No can do.

Dentyne Cinnamon and Wrigley's Doublemint both come in a "real sweeteners" variety.

[Lotus1]

I've been using peppermint flavour xylitol for the past year and am ok.
I didn't get on with the spearmint flavour, very strong, upset my mouth.

[P.Trish]

Mighteaflow gum is the Best for dry mouth - good flavor & long lasting - sugarless is a Must for me.
Mighteafow is pricey. I hide it from my grand kids !

[WhatYouSjo]

Were you using Spry? I use the peppermint Spry myself, and I don't really mind the taste. I have tried the spearmint and green tea flavors and didn't care for either. I accidentally bought some Spry mints rather than gum once, and I found that they gave my breath a somewhat alcoholic quality that others didn't appreciate. The gum doesn't seem to affect my breath the same way unless I chew a very large amount of it.

I would definitely advise sugarless; SS patients have enough dental issues without adding more sugar to the mix.

[SabbraCadabra]

It's the P?r brand. I'm rather leary of trying a different flavor/brand, just to end up with more gum that I don't care for.

I always see mouth issues listed under Sjogren's, but for whatever reason, I've never had any cavities. Sugar does trigger my LPR, but with gum, I think that's fairly negligible.

Maybe it's because I've always chewed a lot of gum and drank a lot of fluoridated water?

[irish]

Chewing Xylitol gum at a high number a day is also a very good laxative. Causes a lot of gas also. Irish

[bartolo]

Xylitol is highly hygroscopic - it attracts moisture, so this is why it can have a drying effect.

Xylitol and peppermint also both have a cooling effect.

[SabbraCadabra]

Chewing Xylitol gum at a high number a day is also a very good laxative. Causes a lot of gas also. Irish

Oh good, just what I need =)

I've only been doing two pieces a day (at the same time). I was reading that it's poisonous to pets, and can cause heart palpitations, so that made me a little nervous, but so far I've been okay on that front.


I might try Glee Gum next, it sounds good, albiet more expensive...or maybe old-fashioned Chicklet/Canel, although I seem to recall not liking it much as a kid.

[Lotus1]

I'm quite happy with the peppermint xylitol gum.
Sick of chewing gum, though.......

Wonder if I can find mighteaflow or glee gum in Australia?
Will research.

[cccourt1942]

I've watched this thread...and am amazed how many of you have enough saliva to chew gum.  Another one of these interesting posts to remind me how long it's been (and maybe had Sjogren's) since I could chew gum.  Honesty...I think I was barely 30.  If that old.  So was my saliva compromised that long ago.

The idea that xylitol helps with salivation is interesting.  I bought Xyitol in bulk ..as sugar.  Have baked with it once.  Quite good. 

Anyway...my contribution is a comment about the flavors: those are the ones which cause anyone to salivate---and thus get my supposedly atrophied left parotid get clogged to have a sialadenitis spell.  Like RIGHT now this afternoon.  Have been using my massage and HOT compresses for hours.  Nothing.  Just broke down and took one of my antibiotics.  I have time to take another one at 11 tonight.  THEN...maybe I can eat something in the morning.  It's times like this I wonder how I suffered with this condition until began to be treated w' antibiotics.  Had it for several years before SjS's dx.  At this point it occurs seldom. It hurts SO badly---especially when you're sooooooooooo hungry. 

Back to those flavors: yummy Dentyne cinnamon...was so good, and spearmint and doublemint too.  I tried Spry (dentist give away) but only had fruit flavors.  I think I may have chewed 5 or 6 times before tossing. 

Anyway...maybe it's cause i'm so hungry this thread appeals to me this afternoon.
c3

[SabbraCadabra]

The idea that xylitol helps with salivation is interesting.

Gum in general is supposed to help with saliva, not xylitol. People who suffer from SJS are said to have problems with tooth decay, and sugarless gum is recommended...especially xylitol as it's not an artificial sweetener, is supposed to be good for your teeth, and I also read that it's supposed to have a positive impact on certain gut bacteria.

[trc1962]

Xylitol is something I have to avoid at all costs as it causes skin and scalp pain, redness and irritation and it can also irritate my gums as well. I think mine is related to histamine issues, but I am unsure. I have never had a cavity in my life so I chew Juicy Fruit on occasion and do fine, but no xylitol.