after family dental problems I learnt of a natural substance, xylitol, that reduces bacteria in the mouth and hence reduces both decay and periodontal problems. There's no big drug company to push it so it's still not well known, although there have been double blind clinical trials to show it works. It's sold in health food stores as a sugar alternative and you can get chewing gum or mints with it in. There are also nasal sprays as the bacteria that cause decay also cause ear infections in children.

Robin,
I have heard of Zylitol. It was the only type of gum I would let my son chew. Have you heard of any bad side effects from consuming this product?