Boise Dentist Blog
The professional blog of Doctors Dan Bruce, Steve Bruce, Rosa Pothier and Rob Ririe
Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute that is widely recognized for its dental and other health benefits. Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol found in fruits like plums, raspberries and strawberries; vegetables, such as lettuce and corncobs; and hard woods, like birch. It has 40% fewer calories than sugar and is approved in more than 35 countries, including the United States, for use in food products, pharmaceuticals, and oral health products. Multiple studies have shown that xylitol reduces plaque formation and bacterial adherence and inhibits enamel demineralization. Xylitol is noncariogenic because it does not ferment (produce acids in the oral cavity), and it has been found to be antimicrobial in high doses. Long-lasting oral health benefits have been demonstrated up to 5 years after 2 years of using a xylitol chewing gum. Furthermore, use of xylitol gum by mothers (2-3 times per day starting 3 months after delivery and until the child was 2 years old) reduced caries-causing bacterial levels in children up to 6 years of age.
There are many different xylitol products on the market now, including gums, mints, and mouthwashes. For caries prevention, research suggests that xylitol intake should be between 6 and 10 grams per day divided into 3 to 7 consumption periods.
When buying xylitol gum or mints, look for a brand that is 100% sweetened with xylitol, such as Epic or Spry. These brands can be found at natural food stores such as the Co-op in Boise or online.