What Is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in plants and is typically extracted from birch tree bark.

Xylitol is sweet as table sugar but with fewer calories and a  low glucose index– which makes it a great option for people with diabetes.

Most mouth bacteria such as the infamous cavity-causing, Streptococcus Mutans, can’t use xylitol as a source of energy, so it may help prevent tooth decay and the buildup of plaque.

How Does Xylitol Prevent Cavities?

Xylitol slows the growth of acid-producing bacteria by throwing them into a futile energy cycle leading to cell death. In reducing these acidic bacteria xylitol indirectly creates an alkaline environment that is conducive to a healthy oral microbiome.

Xylitol also prevents the adhesion of bacteria-laden plaque to teeth reducing cavities and gum inflammation. It also reduces dry mouth by stimulating saliva production which flushes debris from the mouth and carries bicarbonate which neutralizes the oral pH as well as minerals such as calcium, phosphate, and magnesium that strengthen the teeth and can help repair acidic breakdown.

A 2022 study showed:

• Participants who chewed xylitol gum for 2 weeks had a 20% reduction in dental plaque

• Firmicutes (a cavity-causing bacteria) decreased by 10.26%

• Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria (two types of bacteria associated with periodontal disease) decreased by 6.32% and 1.66%  respectively

• Fusobacteria (a bacteria correlated with a higher proportion of dental plaque in healthy adults) was increased by 9.24%.  SOURCE

Studies have also shown oral bacteria, including those that cause cavities, to be transmitted from mothers to newborns. However, regular use of xylitol by new mothers has been shown to significantly reduce bacterial transmission from mother to child, resulting in fewer cavities for the child. SOURCE

Where Can I Find Xylitol Products?

Xylitol can be used as table sugar to sweeten such things as beverages and can be used in baking.

Xylitol can also be found in the form of chewing gum, toothpaste, mouth rinse, sucking tablets, or candy tablets and floss.

Some well-known brands are:

• Xlear brand product line which includes Spry gum, nasal spray, and food sweetener

• The Pur Company gum and mints

• The Peelu Co. carries a variety of gum flavor

• RiseWell brand which carries toothpaste for adults and children, mouthwash, floss, and mints

• SuperMouth – Geared towards children and carry toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and mouth spray

• Ice Chips™ – Have a variety of hard candy flavor

• Zolli® Candy offers candies from chocolate and taffy to lollipops all containing xylitol sweetener

How Often Should You Use Xylitol?

A total daily intake of 5 grams of Xylitol is considered by oral healthcare professionals to be optimal for defense against cavities. SOURCE

As xylitol is digested slowly in the large intestine, it acts much like fiber. If used in large amounts (over 45 g/d  in children and 100 g/d in adults) it can have a laxative effect.   SOURCE 1, SOURCE 2