1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Xylitol, nutrition and dental care

Posted by Maureen, Alumna Mentor @alpaca, Dec 13, 2017

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qureshia110 | @qureshia110 | Oct 22 7:43am
In reply to @alpaca "Hello people. Three and a half years out from my last treatment, I am putting on..." + (show)
@alpaca

Hello people. Three and a half years out from my last treatment, I am putting on weight, worried about my teeth and concerned about my unhealthy relationship with ice cream. I know some of you are avid juicers. I try but slip back into the easy-soft-food-on-the-run type eating behaviour. Many of my head and neck cancer friends are trying hard to put weight on and indeed my weight stayed stable for about three years but now I'm gaining. Hard to get a balance.

Sooo, I had an epiphany the other night. I woke up and thought, yes, I can change my diet. I got up at 5 am and ran a hot tap over the remaining ice cream in its large container and decided not to stop all sugar but to cut back my sugar intake. I also need to make a greater effort with my teeth. In order to have a new dental plate made early in 2018, I need to make sure the remaining teeth are healthy to hold it. I've had a steady trickle of decay since radiotherapy.

My hygienist said that the alternative sweetener Xylitol really is good for the teeth (have to keep using fluoride though I think). I came across a stall for a company importing Xylitol products from the US. They are just down the road.

Hey presto - I think I am finally doing something for my diet and teeth in this strange post cancer stage of life where I feel perfectly okay but know I have to take extra steps to remain as well as possible. I'm going to gently ease myself out of eating sugar, limit the carbs, juice more veges and fruit and get my weight well below 80 kg again.

Sharing this with you as a slightly different angle on the soft food theme. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Jump to this post

It's great to hear about your epiphany and your commitment to changing your diet! It's completely understandable to struggle with balancing comfort foods like ice cream and the need for healthier options, especially after going through treatment. Cutting back on sugar while still allowing yourself some treats can be a positive approach. Incorporating more fruits and veggies through juicing sounds like a fantastic way to boost your nutrition. It's also wise to prioritize your dental health with the Xylitol and fluoride—taking those extra steps will definitely pay off in the long run. Best of luck on your journey to better health!

REPLY
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sepdvm | Oct 25 11:19am
In reply to @goffrey "Actually a few studies have came to light showing that Xylitol can cause blood clotting and..." + (show)

This study summarized that higher levels for prolonged periods caused this risk. The oral dry mouth products, when used as directed, are not providing high blood levels of Xylitol like the drinks and foods that use it for sweetening. We have to weigh risks when we may need the benefits for oral health.

REPLY
qureshia110 | @qureshia110 | Nov 12 5:56am
In reply to @alpaca "Hello people. Three and a half years out from my last treatment, I am putting on..." + (show)
@alpaca

Hello people. Three and a half years out from my last treatment, I am putting on weight, worried about my teeth and concerned about my unhealthy relationship with ice cream. I know some of you are avid juicers. I try but slip back into the easy-soft-food-on-the-run type eating behaviour. Many of my head and neck cancer friends are trying hard to put weight on and indeed my weight stayed stable for about three years but now I'm gaining. Hard to get a balance.

Sooo, I had an epiphany the other night. I woke up and thought, yes, I can change my diet. I got up at 5 am and ran a hot tap over the remaining ice cream in its large container and decided not to stop all sugar but to cut back my sugar intake. I also need to make a greater effort with my teeth. In order to have a new dental plate made early in 2018, I need to make sure the remaining teeth are healthy to hold it. I've had a steady trickle of decay since radiotherapy.

My hygienist said that the alternative sweetener Xylitol really is good for the teeth (have to keep using fluoride though I think). I came across a stall for a company importing Xylitol products from the US. They are just down the road.

Hey presto - I think I am finally doing something for my diet and teeth in this strange post cancer stage of life where I feel perfectly okay but know I have to take extra steps to remain as well as possible. I'm going to gently ease myself out of eating sugar, limit the carbs, juice more veges and fruit and get my weight well below 80 kg again.

Sharing this with you as a slightly different angle on the soft food theme. Does anyone have any thoughts?

Jump to this post

Hello! It sounds like you’re making some really thoughtful changes, and I can see the determination you have to find balance with both weight and dental health. Radiotherapy can be tough on the teeth, so I totally get why you’re putting extra focus there. Xylitol is a great choice! I’ve heard it can actually help reduce decay by neutralizing acids, and it’s encouraging that you’re seeing improvements already. Easing off sugar and soft foods bit by bit while juicing more veggies sounds like a solid approach. You’re not alone in this; many find the post-treatment phase challenging, especially when it comes to finding that healthy routine. You’re inspiring others by sharing this journey, and we’re all rooting for you as you make these changes. Looking forward to hearing more about how it goes—good luck!

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