What is Xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps prevent cavities.
How does it help prevent cavities? Xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause cavities. It does this because the bacteria cannot use xylitol to grow like it does other sweetners. Over time with xylitol use, the quality of the bacteria in the mouth changes and fewer and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces. Less plaque form and the level of acids attacking the tooth surface is lowered.
What products contain xylitol and how do I find them? Xylitol is found most often in chewing gum and mints. Look for xylitol in the list of ingredients. If xylitol is not the first one listed, it doesn't have enought in it to help prevent tooth decay. You can find products with xylitol at most health food stores or find products on the Internet.
How often must I use xylitol for it to be effective? Xylitol gum or mints used 3-5 times daily, for a total intake of 5 grams, is considered optimal. Gum should be chewed for a minimum of 5 minutes and mints should be allowed to dissolve.
Has xylitol been evaluated for safety? Xylitol has been approved for safety by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration., the World Health Organization's Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives and the European Union's Scientific Committee for Food.
More information can be found on the Internet.
