Could a sweetener, equal in taste and volume to sugar,
prevent cavities? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (similar to
sorbitol or mannitol- often found in sugarless products)
that has been shown to have decay-preventive qualities.
Xylitol cannot be used by decay- causing bacteria to grow.
Over time, the exposure to xylitol causes a reduction in
the number of these bacteria that survive on the tooth
surface, subsequently reducing the plaque levels and
levels of acid damaging teeth.
It is most often found in mints and chewing gum,
sometimes in combination with sorbitol or mannitol. If
it is listed as the first ingredient, it generally contains the
amount needed to reach decay preventing levels. Ideally,
look for products that contain xylitol only.
Daily intake of 5 grams is optimal. The
amount of xylitol in a product may vary,
affecting frequency needed to reach these
optimal levels. Exposure time should also
be maximized- chewing gum for at least 5
minutes and giving mints time to dissolve.
Xylitol shows great promise as an
important tool to help patients with an
increased risk for cavities, particularly for
those with a dry mouth.
Products can be found in
health food stores and
through the internet. Could a sweetener, equal in taste and volume to sugar,
prevent cavities? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (similar to
sorbitol or mannitol- often found in sugarless products)
that has been shown to have decay-preventive qualities.
Xylitol cannot be used by decay- causing bacteria to grow.
Over time, the exposure to xylitol causes a reduction in
the number of these bacteria that survive on the tooth
surface, subsequently reducing the plaque levels and
levels of acid damaging teeth.
It is most often found in mints and chewing gum,
sometimes in combination with sorbitol or mannitol. If
it is listed as the first ingredient, it generally contains the
amount needed to reach decay preventing levels. Ideally,
look for products that contain xylitol only.
Daily intake of 5 grams is optimal. The
amount of xylitol in a product may vary,
affecting frequency needed to reach these
optimal levels. Exposure time should also
be maximized- chewing gum for at least 5
minutes and giving mints time to dissolve.
Xylitol shows great promise as an
important tool to help patients with an
increased risk for cavities, particularly for
those with a dry mouth.
Products can be found in
health food stores and
through the internet. Could a sweetener, equal in taste and volume to sugar,
prevent cavities? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol (similar to
sorbitol or mannitol often found in sugarless products)
that has been shown to have decay-preventive qualities.
Xylitol cannot be used by decay- causing bacteria to grow.
Over time, the exposure to xylitol causes a reduction in
the number of these bacteria that survive on the tooth
surface, subsequently reducing the plaque levels and
levels of acid damaging teeth.
It is most often found in mints and chewing gum,
sometimes in combination with sorbitol or mannitol. If
it is listed as the first ingredient, it generally contains the
amount needed to reach decay preventing levels. Ideally,
look for products that contain xylitol only.
Daily intake of 5 grams is optimal. The
amount of xylitol in a product may vary,
affecting frequency needed to reach these
optimal levels. Exposure time should also
be maximized- chewing gum for at least 5
minutes and giving mints time to dissolve.
Xylitol shows great promise as an
important tool to help patients with an
increased risk for cavities, particularly for
those with a dry mouth.
Products can be found in
health food stores and
through the internet.