What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a tooth friendly natural sugar substitute (sugar alcohol) naturally found in fruits like strawberries. It is best known for its experimentally proven ability to fight cavities, because of its anti-bacterial properties. In plain words, it protects your teeth and makes them stronger.

Xylitol & Healthy Teeth

Xylitol reduces the quantity of plaque, creating additional caries (decay) protection between periods of brushing and flossing. It also inhibits the growth of streptococcus mutans, the main bacteria associated with dental caries (decay). Xylitol actually decreases the amount of insoluble plaque polysaccharides that actually make plaque less adhesive to the tooth surface.

According to a study appearing in an issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, xylitol syrup fights the bacteria in the mouth which cause cavities and tooth decay and may even be more effective than fluoride for dental health.

Studies using xylitol as a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with arrest and even some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods.

Xylitol & Periodontal Disease

In addition to preventing cavities, xylitol inhibits the bacteria that promote periodontal disease, now the most common cause of tooth loss.

The key to xylitol's benefits is that it helps to break down biofilms. Without the protective biofilm, bacteria just can't adhere to the enamel and release corrosive substances that cause cavities. Additionally, the bacteria that cause periodontal disease have no place to hide in the gum recesses.