Volume 218 Issue 3, 13 February 2015
PLANTS IN DENTISTRY SERIES: BETULA PENDULA (SILVER BIRCH)
The cover images in volume 218 all feature botanical illustrations of plants and trees with a connection to dentistry some from the past and a selection still used in present times. This issue's cover features Betula pendula, commonly known as the silver birch. The birch is one of the most common sources of xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol which can be used as a sweetner. Xylitol is known as being 'tooth friendly' as it is a non-cariogenic sugar. Indeed, it is thought that xylitol might also display an anti-caries role due to its effects on oral flora, especially on certain strains of mutans streptococci. It is used in toothpastes, chewing gums and mouthwash.
Illustration by Liz Pepperell
www.illustrationweb.com
Editorial
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