Xylitol: What is it and how does it improve my oral health?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

 

Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in your mouth. Xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth – which is how it protects teeth from tooth decay. 

Tooth decay happens when bacteria in your mouth consume the sugars we eat. When you eat food containing ordinary sugar, it gives bacteria on your teeth energy, allowing them to multiply and start making acids that can eat away the enamel on the teeth. The acid-attack causes tooth decay and cavities begin to form. 

With Xylitol, the acid attack that would otherwise last for over an hour is stopped. Most people are not aware of this benefit because such a claim makes xylitol into a drug- crossing a boundary not allowed by the FDA. 

Think about it, because the bacteria in the mouth that are causing cavities are unable to digest xylitol, their growth is greatly reduced. The number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%. No acid is formed because the pH of saliva and plaque does not fall. After taking xylitol, the bacterium does not stick well on the surface of the teeth and as a result, the amount of plaque decreases. 

Research has shown that the use of xylitol also helps repair damage to the enamel. Saliva in itself protects the mouth and teeth. Stimulated saliva in particular contains all the components needed to repair early cavities. If sugar is only taken a couple of times a day, the saliva can do the job alone. But, most people take sugar so often that the mouth’s own defensive tools are no enough. 

Saliva that has xylitol is more alkaline than saliva stimulated by other sugar products. After taking xylitol products, the concentration of basic amino acids and ammonia in saliva and plaque may rise, and plaque pH rises as well. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to move into those parts of enamel that are weak. Therefore, soft, calcium-deficient enamel sites begin to harden again. 

Xylitol can have a significant influence on your health. Look for xylitol products including toothpaste, mouthwash, nasal spray, gum, mints and candy.