The invitation from Xlear, a xylitol and oral health company, based in Utah, USA, to attend a surprise event for Professor Kauko K. Mäkinen in Turku, Finland, was unexpected but thrilling. My wife and I had long planned another visit to Finland and the opportunity to honour a pioneer in xylitol research made the trip even more special. We were joined by Trisha O’Hehir, president of O’Hehir University; Shad Slaughter, president of Xlear; Dr. John Peldyak, a close friend and research colleague of Prof. Mäkinen; Dr. Mark Cannon, a paediatric dental expert; and Dr. Lon Jones, known for his ground-breaking work in common-sense medicine. Dr. Jones was particularly significant in this gathering, as he would be presenting the prestigious Jones-Bozeman Award, an accolade that honours transformative contributions to health.
The Aura River & Turku
Arriving in Helsinki on a bright August morning, we were greeted by late summer warmth and clear skies. The scenic train ride to Turku, with its lush green landscapes, set a tranquil tone for the journey. The oldest city in Finland, nestled along the Aura River, was a charming blend of history and modernity.
Turku Dental School
The award ceremony took place in central Turku, in a historic venue filled with anticipation. The Dean of the University of Turku opened with a speech that highlighted Prof. Mäkinen’s contributions to science and his unwavering dedication to improving public health. Dr. John Peldyak followed, speaking not just as a researcher who had collaborated extensively with Prof. Mäkinen, but also as a long-time friend. John delved into the technical aspects of xylitol’s role in oral health, crediting Prof. Mäkinen’s pioneering studies with educing Streptococcus mutans —the primary cause of tooth decay.¹ He also shared personal anecdotes, painting a picture of him as a mentor and visionary whose work had profoundly impacted those around him. John highlighted Prof. Mäkinen’s seminal study published in 1975, which demonstrated xylitol's effectiveness in caries prevention, a ground-breaking finding that laid the foundation for decades of research.²
Dr. Lon Jones then took the stage, renowned for his development of xylitol nasal sprays and his holistic approach to health, spoke with the authority of someone who has spent decades at the intersection of medicine and innovation. He shared how his own work in respiratory health had been inspired by Prof. Mäkinen’s research into xylitol. Lon highlighted the far-reaching implications of xylitol beyond dental care, noting its benefits in reducing upper respiratory infections—a discovery that has brought relief to countless patients.³ As he presented the Jones-Bozeman Award, Lon spoke passionately about the importance of integrating natural, scientifically backed solutions into mainstream medicine. The award, he explained, was not just a recognition of Prof. Mäkinen’s past achievements, but a testament to his ongoing influence in health sciences.
Prof. Mäkinen’s humility and gratitude were evident. He spoke not of his own achievements but of the collective effort behind his successes, thanking colleagues, students and friends.
Turku University Hospital Interior Views
On our third day in Turku, we filmed interviews for Xlear in a local park. The serene greenery provided a perfect backdrop as we shared our reflections on the week’s events and Prof. Mäkinen’s legacy. Trisha and I highlighted how his work had transformed our professional lives.
Trisha and I also took the opportunity to film in a nearby birch forest for our upcoming course on sugar. The forest, with its tall trees was particularly meaningful -it was from these very trees that xylitol was first derived during World War II when sugar imports were blocked. This simple, natural substance had become the cornerstone of a global dental health revolution, thanks to Prof. Mäkinen’s research.⁴
With our time in Turku coming to an end, we embarked on the next leg of our journey - a ferry ride to Stockholm through the world’s largest archipelago. The serene beauty of the rocky islands and calm waters provided a peaceful contrast to the bustling events of the past few days. Our time in Stockholm was spent leisurely, exploring the city’s historic streets and reflecting on the profound impact of Porf. Mäkinen’s work.
Xylitol Sweets and Candies
As we prepared to return home, I couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of our journey. The week in Turku had been a reminder of the power of dedicated research and the global impact one person’s work can have. In a supermarket in Turku, the xylitol products outnumbered sweets containing sugar!
Professor Mäkinen’s legacy was not just in the scientific advancements he pioneered but in the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided to us all.
References
1. Mäkinen KK, Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, Isokangas PJ, Isotupa KP, Pape HR Jr, et al. Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: A 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res. 1995;74(12):1904-1913.
2. Mäkinen KK, Alanen P, Isokangas P, Isotupa K, Söderling E, Mäkinen PL et al. Thirty-nine-month xylitol chewing-gum programme in initially
8- year-old school children: a feasibility study focusing on mutans streptococci and lactobacilli. Int Dent J. 2008;58(1):41-50. https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1875-595X.2008.tb00175.x
3. Jones AH. Intranasal xylitol, recurrent otitis media, and asthma: Report of three cases. Clin Pract Alt Med. 2001;2:112-118.
4. Mäkinen KK. The rocky road of xylitol to its clinical application. J Dent Res. 2000;79(6):1352-1355. doi:10.1177/00220345000790060101
First published in Dental Health November 2024
