TTC_11_21_18_Vol.15-No.04.p1-12

November 21 - 27, 2018 www.TheTownCommon.com Page
Health & Wellness
By J. Peter St. Clair, DMD
Xylitol is a sugar substitute
that possesses 40 percent fewer
calories than sugar and has been
shown to help decrease cavities
in teeth, among other things.
However, it is important to
know that xylitol, even in small
quantities, is very toxic to dogs.
The dental benefits of
xylitol have been known since
the 1970’s. Xylitol is not
metabolized by the decaycausing
bacteria Streptococcus
mutans (S. mutans), making
it nonacidogenic and thus
noncariogenic (not decay
causing). Studies have also
indicated xylitol decreases the
levels of S. mutans in both
plaque and saliva. As a result,
patients who use xylitol have
demonstrated a reduction in
decay.
Xylitol is slowly absorbed by
the human intestines; as a result,
it has minimal side effects on
humans. Some may experience
minor side effects, mainly
stomach upset, although this
generally occurs after ingesting
large amounts of xylitol (four
to five times the recommended
How many of us stick our old
cellphones in a drawer when we
buy a new one? Too many of us,
more than 50 percent, according
to a recent survey. Some of
us have just thrown away old
phones.
If you’re in the market for a new
phone and plan to buy it from
the same company, chances are
you can get money back or store
credit toward the new phone.
If you plan to buy from a
different company and can’t
Brighter Smiles...
amount for cavity prevention).
There are studies that the body
can adapt to higher dosages of
xylitol and that symptoms can
subside as the body’s tolerance
increases.
While the dental community
embraces xylitol for its cavity
prevention, many people,
including dental professionals,
are unaware of its toxic potential
– not to humans, but to dogs.
While xylitol has little effect on
insulin production in humans,
dogs can experience a rapid
and severe increase in insulin
production after just a small
amount of xylitol ingestion.
A dog that ingests a xylitol
equivalent of three to four pieces
of gum is at risk for hepatic
(liver) failure and necrosis (tissue
death).
Dogs tend to be scavengers by
nature and their likelihood of
encountering potentially toxic
substances in and around the
house is common. The ASPCA
web site lists a multitude of
substances, many of which
are harmless to humans but
potentially dangerous to dogs.
Chocolate, grapes, raisins,
avocado, onion, and citrus
fruits make the list. However,
xylitol is unique in that it is
contained within foods; as a
result, consumers may not even
be aware that a product or food
item contains xylitol.
trade it in for a new phone, there
are still ways to recoup some
dollars from your old phone.
For example, you can sell your
phone on eBay. The minute new
phones come out, those eager to
save money know to look for a
recent previous generation of
phone. EBay has made it easy
for you with a selling kit. They’ll
even send you the box to put it
in for mailing.
Check online prices offered on
places like Gazelle, Swappa or
Glyde. Read the details carefully.
Craiglist will allow you to sell
your phone in-person in your
area. (Don’t fall for scammers
who want you to mail them the
phone in exchange for a check.)
Toxic for Dogs
For dogs suspected of ingesting
xylitol, early intervention is
paramount. Prompt medical
treatment for uncomplicated
xylitol-related hypoglycemia can
yield a good prognosis. Once
Xylitol has affected the liver, it
yields a much graver prognosis.
While veterinarians have been
aware of the potential danger of
The Town
isn’t acciDENTAL
Common
With continually emerging evidence that a
xylitol to dogs for several years,
healthy mouth makes a healthier body, you owe it to
that awareness has escaped most yourself and your body to receive exceptional dental care.
of the dental community – and
All Phases of Dental Care Including:
the general public. This has
• Grinding/Clenching/TMJ Therapy
become a more significant issue
• Sleep Apnea/Snoring Treatment
as more dental professionals
Learn More: www.stclairdmd.com
promote products that contain
Please call our office to schedule
a comlimentary 30-minute consultation.
xylitol for its human benefits.
It is important for dog owners
to know the different foods and
products, such as xylitol, that
can be harmful to their pets.
151 Central Street, Rowley | 978-948-2030
Make sure to keep these items
out of a dog’s reach - and that
includes the garbage. If you Dr. Laura anne Potvin, P.C.
suspect ingestion of any of these oPtoMetriStS
foods, including xylitol, contact
your veterinarian immediately.
Dr. St. Clair maintains a EYE CARE
private dental practice in Rowley
FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
and Newburyport dedicated to
health-centered family dentistry.
If there are certain topics you
Dr. nYLa LaMBert
would
The
like to see written about
Town
Dr. KatHLeen Horn
Comm
or questions you have please Dr. CatHLeen DouCette
email them to him at jpstclair@
stclairdmd.com. You can view NOw LOCATED AT
all previously written columns at
939 SALEM ST., GROvELAND
www.jpeterstclairdentistry.com/
blog.
Senior Scene
Cash for Your Old Phone
Security can be a problem
if you leave data on your old
phone, and it can be tricky to
remove, depending on the type
of phone. And no, doing a
factory reset doesn’t remove all
your information. You’ll need to
remove your SIM card, a small
circuit card inside your phone
that contains information unique
to your phone and network.
Your safest bet: Upgrade with
the same phone company. You’ll
get cash back to help with the
cost of your new phone, and
their tech will be able to delete
your personal information from
your old phone.
(c) 2018 King Features Synd.,
Inc.
Northern Essex Fuel Corp.
Automatic Delivery
24 Hour Burner Service
(978)388-5240
978-374-8991
$2.75
per gallon
100 gallon min
Prices subject to change.
(978)374-1540
Good health
Residences at Salisbury Square in Salisbury MA accepting applications
for affordable & subsidized studios,1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.
Income restrictions apply, preferences for Homeless and those eligible for
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Heat and hot water included.
Heat and hot water included.
Monthly Income Limits (subject to change)
HH
size
30% AMI 50%
AMI
60%
AMI
6 $3,128 N/A N/A
5 $2,913 N/A N/A
4 $2,965 $4,492 $5,390
3 $2,428 $4,046 $4,855
2 $2,159 $3,596 $4,315
1 $1,888 $2,979 $3,775
Monthly Rent (subject to change)
Contact your advertising consultant today....
30% AMI 50% 60%
AMI AMI
3 Bed Subsidized N/A N/A
2 Bed Subsidized $975 $1,180
1 Bed Subsidized N/A $985
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Applications advertise@thetowncommon.com
available Applications from available and must from be and returned must to be YWCA Greater
Newburyport, 13 Market
978-948-8696
Street, Newburyport, MA 01950 or (978) 465-9922,
or at www.ywcanewburyport.org/affordable-housing. Informational meetings:
Oct 25, 2018 @ 6:00 PM Salisbury Council on Aging, 43 Lafayette Road,
Nov 26, 2018 @ 1:30 PM Newburyport Council on Aging 331 High Street,
Newburyport. Units assigned to eligible applicants by lottery. Applications
must be received or postmarked by 5:00 PM Dec 18, 2018.
postmarked by
Dec 18, 2018.