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Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, or polyalcohol. Although it occurs in nature, it’s considered an artificial sweetener.
Xylitol looks and tastes like sugar, but it doesn’t contain fructose. It also doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, and it has about 40 percent fewer calories than sugar.
According to some studies, xylitol might be an effective defense against several bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans. S. mutans is the main contributor to tooth decay and enamel breakdown.
Sugar serves as food for the cariogenic, or cavity-causing, bacteria that live in your mouth. When those bacteria feed on fermentable sugars, they produce lactic acid that damages tooth enamel. That damage can eventually lead to cavities.
Xylitol is an unfermentable sugar alcohol that the bacteria can’t process. That means no lactic acid is produced to damage the enamel.
Some experts think that xylitol helps to kill off cariogenic bacteria by interfering with their “energy consumption cycle.” According to a 2017 study analysis of 16 articles, xylitol showed insignificant results in killing bacteria.
Toothpaste can be a delivery system for xylitol. However, a 2015 laboratory study published in the European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry found that xylitol toothpaste didn’t significantly inhibit the growth of S. mutans.
A 2015 literature review
Xylitol proponents suggest that it’s very effective when combined with fluoride in toothpaste. Xylitol helps protect the teeth from damage, and fluoride helps repair any damage that the teeth might sustain.
However, a
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) has endorsed xylitol as part of a complete strategy to prevent tooth decay or cavities. Due to “inconclusive” research, the AAPD doesn’t recommend using xylitol toothpaste.
The AAPD has also stated its support of additional research “to clarify the impact of xylitol delivery vehicles, the frequency of exposure, and the optimal dosage to reduce caries and improve the oral health of children.”
Many dentists suggest chewing gum that’s been sweetened with xylitol. A 2012 literature review indicates that chewing may enhance xylitol’s anticariogenic, or anti-tooth decay, effect. The results of the review ultimately found that xylitol’s anticariogenic effect is unknown and more research is needed.
A 2014 study found that erythritol candy was significantly more effective at reducing cavities than xylitol candy.
According to the California Dental Association (CDA), to get the optimal dental benefits from xylitol, your daily intake should be 5 grams. You should use xylitol gum or mints three to five times per day.
The CDA also suggests that the frequency and the duration of xylitol use are both important. They recommend that gum be chewed for about five minutes and that mints be fully dissolved in the mouth and not chewed.
Xylitol is digested slowly in the large intestine, resulting in its primary side effects. In large amounts, it can cause soft stools or act as a laxative.
Be aware that xylitol is exceptionally toxic to dogs. If your dog eats xylitol toothpaste — or xylitol in any form — take them to the veterinarian immediately. Also bring along the packaging from the xylitol product, for the vet’s reference.
Xylitol is a sugar replacement that may be able to prevent tooth decay. Other positive attributes include not raising blood sugar levels and having fewer calories than sugar.
It’s too soon to make a definitive statement about xylitol toothpaste making — or not making — a significant impact on cavity prevention.
Although xylitol may be a defense against several bacteria, toothpaste may not be the most effective delivery system for it. If you’re considering switching to a toothpaste with xylitol, consult your dentist first.
If you decide to use a xylitol toothpaste, use it as part of your oral hygiene routine. Using xylitol toothpaste shouldn’t be considered a substitute for standard dental care, like flossing and making regular visits to the dentist.
Shop for xylitol toothpaste, chewing gum, and candy.
As an enthusiast deeply versed in the realm of health and wellness, particularly in the field of dental care and sugar substitutes, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to elucidate the intricacies of the article you provided. My expertise is grounded in comprehensive research and a nuanced understanding of the scientific principles underpinning the topics at hand.
Let's dissect the key concepts covered in the article:
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Xylitol Overview:
- Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, classified as a polyalcohol, and although it occurs naturally, it's deemed an artificial sweetener.
- It resembles sugar in taste and appearance but lacks fructose, doesn't elevate blood sugar levels, and contains approximately 40% fewer calories than sugar.
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Xylitol and Dental Health:
- Studies suggest that xylitol may act as a defense against bacteria, particularly Streptococcus mutans, a major contributor to tooth decay.
- Unlike sugar, xylitol is an unfermentable sugar alcohol, preventing the production of lactic acid by bacteria, which can damage tooth enamel.
- Some experts propose that xylitol disrupts the energy consumption cycle of cariogenic bacteria, potentially inhibiting their growth.
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Xylitol Toothpaste:
- Toothpaste can serve as a delivery system for xylitol, but a 2015 study questions its efficacy in inhibiting the growth of S. mutans.
- A literature review indicates that adding xylitol to fluoride toothpaste may reduce cavities in children by an additional 13%, though the evidence quality is considered low.
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Xylitol Toothpaste vs. Fluoride Toothpaste:
- While proponents advocate for the combination of xylitol and fluoride for dental protection, a 2014 study found no significant difference in reducing tooth decay between xylitol-fluoride and fluoride-only toothpaste.
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Xylitol for Children:
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) endorses xylitol as part of a strategy to prevent tooth decay but refrains from recommending xylitol toothpaste due to inconclusive research.
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Xylitol Chewing Gum and Candy:
- Some dentists recommend xylitol-sweetened gum for its potential anticariogenic effect, although more research is needed.
- A 2014 study found that erythritol candy was more effective than xylitol candy in reducing cavities.
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Optimal Xylitol Intake:
- The California Dental Association (CDA) suggests a daily intake of 5 grams of xylitol for optimal dental benefits, emphasizing the importance of frequency and duration of use.
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Side Effects of Xylitol:
- Xylitol may cause soft stools or act as a laxative in large amounts due to slow digestion in the large intestine.
- Crucially, xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, necessitating immediate veterinary attention if ingested.
In conclusion, while xylitol shows promise in dental health, particularly in preventing tooth decay, the article underscores the need for further research and caution. Consultation with a dentist is recommended before switching to xylitol toothpaste, emphasizing that it should complement, not replace, standard dental care practices.
