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Xylitol, nutrition and dental care
Head & Neck Cancer | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (14)Comment receiving replies
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?
Replies to "Hello people. Three and a half years out from my last treatment, I am putting on..."
That's right. Dribbling is okay but spitting is a bit hard. Thank you for the offer of gum. I can't really chew gum either but order Spry gum for a fellow head and necker. We have a deal with a local importer. I've also been lucky enough to find another importer just down the road who has a Spry or Xylitol mouthwash which is the first mouthwash which I can use without stinging. I like to use a plaque-removing mouthwash as well as the salt and baking soda and this one could do the trick. I will check with the dentist when I see him in mid-January. Very unusual to get a product that doesn't sting.
No ice cream has touched my lips for over a week but I'm planning on some for Christmas Day.
We will get back in shape together, Loli.
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!
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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Hi Maureen,
The truth is, we could not spit, if our life depended on it! (Coleen) Though her comment made me smile, and that is good.
That being said, I would love to pack a little Christmas present, and send you Xylitol Gum, or any other Xylitol product you need. The gum was gifted to me by a dentist friend; but I do not chew gum. If I could do this for you, I would be so happy.
Have you tried Biotene Gel? I keep it by my bed. Sometimes my mouth is so dry at night, that my tongue is glued to the rest of my mouth. I just have to squeeze a little gel in my mouth for instant confort that lasts all night long.
Maureen, your case and mine have so much in common! I also kept the weight I lost during RT, for three years. Then, my thyroid went bad, and I have gained all the weight back. I will have to give up hot cocoa, and cut on bread. We might want to keep an eye on each other, and try to get under 80 kilos by the beginning of July. I would have to loose 14 kilos.
Have to run, but will be back.
Loli