Everyone knows that sugar contributes to cavities. When you eat a sweet treat, bacteria feast on the sugar in your mouth, creating acid that erodes the enamel. But what if there was a sweetener that actually helps prevent cavities instead of causing them?
That’s where xylitol comes in. As a natural sugar alcohol found in many types of plants, including fruits, vegetables, and even birch trees, it’s often used as a sweetener in mints, mouthwash, gum, toothpaste, and foods. In fact, this substance is becoming increasingly popular in dental care products.
Keep reading to learn more about xylitol, how it can benefit your oral health, and whether it can replace brushing and flossing.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is classified as a sugar alcohol. First discovered by German chemists in the late 19th century in the bark of birch trees, we now know it can be found in many different fruits and vegetables. Corn is an especially significant source, but no matter where it comes from, it’s molecularly the same.
The main use of xylitol is as a replacement for sucrose, or table sugar. If you look at the ingredients in “sugar-free” mints, candies, and chewing gums, you’ll likely find it listed. It’s just as sweet as your table sugar, but has a lesser effect on blood sugar and contains 40 percent fewer calories.
While the name xylitol can sound scary, it’s been recognized as safe for human consumption by the FDA. However, it’s toxic to dogs, so keep it out of reach of your pets.
How Xylitol Benefits Oral Health
The thing that sets xylitol apart from other sweeteners is its ability to improve oral health. While another sweetener, sorbitol, also has cavity-fighting properties, xylitol continues to protect your teeth hours after you’ve used it.
Let’s take a closer look at how this substance works to fight bacteria, promote saliva production, and help maintain your mouth’s pH balance.
Reducing Cavity-Causing Bacteria
Streptococcus mutans is a type of bacteria that’s largely responsible for the formation of cavities. As it feeds on the sugar you eat, it ferments and produces acid, which can compromise tooth enamel. However, this bacteria can’t ferment xylitol, which means that they essentially starve to death. In fact, studies have shown that xylitol can decrease acid-causing bacteria by up to 90 percent.
Promoting Saliva Production
Saliva plays an important role in oral health. It neutralizes acids, remineralizes enamel, washes away food particles, and fights bacteria. Xylitol stimulates saliva flow, helping to prevent dry mouth and tooth decay.
Maintaining pH Balance
As we mentioned before, acid is what causes cavities. When your oral pH is compromised, you’re at a greater risk for enamel erosion. Xylitol helps maintain a neutral oral environment, protecting you from tooth decay.
Preventing Ear Infections in Children
There’s evidence suggesting that xylitol can help prevent ear infections, as well. By reducing oral bacteria, there’s less chance of that bacteria making its way into the Eustachian tube, which connects the back of the throat to the middle ear.
Can Xylitol Replace Brushing and Flossing?
Despite xylitol’s oral health benefits, it’s no replacement for brushing and flossing. While it’s a great supplement to a strong oral hygiene routine, you must still brush your teeth twice daily, floss every day, and attend regular checkups at your dentist’s office.
If you’re looking for ways to incorporate this bacteria-fighting sweetener into your daily routines, keep in mind that the optimal amount is five to 10 grams per day, spread across multiple uses. You can achieve this dosage by taking advantage of xylitol candies, lozenges, chewing gum, mints, and even toothpaste and mouthwash — especially after meals.
However, there are potential digestive side effects that may come with high doses, such as bloating and gas. It’s important to pay attention to how this substance affects your body and discontinue use if it causes harm.
Fight Cavities with Eric Felt DDS
At the office of Eric Felt DDS, we’re dedicated to helping you fight cavities and ensuring your smile remains happy and healthy for a lifetime. Whether you need help developing a personalized oral hygiene plan, advice on how to reduce bacteria, or it’s time for your next cleaning, our team of dental professionals is here for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
