Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is noted for promoting healthy teeth and gums. Its wellness benefits also include:
- Enhancing dental health.**
- Inhibiting oral bacterial growth.**
- Maintaining neutral oral pH.**
What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar that is found in berries, corn cobs, potatoes and the bark of white birch trees. Also known as a sugar alcohol, the substance is a polyol, or a chemical with similar structure to sugar. It has been used as a sweetener in candy and gum for many years in Europe and was approved as a dietary sweetener in the U.S. in 1963. It has also been widely researched for decades, due to its apparent ability to promote healthy teeth and gums while delivering a sweet, satisfying taste. When chewed in gum, the substance stimulates the body’s production of saliva, an action that helps reduce the number of cavities or caries.**
Xylitol promotes healthy teeth and gums in several other ways; when other types of sugars, such as sorbitol or sucrose, come in contact with oral bacteria, it creates acid, or low pH, conditions in the mouth that promote the development of cavities. In contrast, xylitol’s anti-bacterial properties don’t allow the oral bacteria to metabolize, thus maintaining a neutral pH in the mouth and inhibiting caries. In addition, it aids in the body’s natural re-mineralization process, helping to reverse structural integrity issues in dental enamel. Scientific research also indicates that this sweetener supplies potent anti-bacterial compounds, and may help to neutralize strains of bacteria that are associated with dental cavities.**
Xylitol Products
Supplements are manufactured from natural sources, especially birch tree bark. This natural sweetener is available in gum, syrup, toothpaste, mouthwash, and also in crystal form. The crystal form may be added to beverages and used in baking at a 1:1 ratio as a sugar substitute.**
Xylitol Directions for Use
Consult your health care provider before starting any supplement regimen. There is no standard recommended amount; one teaspoon supplies ten calories and zero net carbs.**
