What does the dentist say about xylitol – a healthy sugar alternative for your mouth?

Category: Dental health · 28 December 2018

Do you know the facts about xylitol? In recent years, the sugar alternative has also become popular as a potential dental care product. If you’re wondering how something sweet could improve your oral health, you’re in good company. With this article, we want to shed some light on xylitol.

How tooth decay develops

Many people think sugar is solely to blame for holes in the teeth. But that’s only half the truth. Tooth decay is the result of a (transmissible) infectious disease caused by one of the many types of bacteria living in your mouth, Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria feed on the sugar you eat. In doing so, they produce acid that can lead to erosion of the tooth enamel, plaque formation, gum disease, “holes” and even tooth loss.

Does xylitol ward off the risk of tooth decay?

Xylitol is indigestible for these bacteria. It is a fact that this reduces the number of bacteria and their negative effects. Xylitol raises the pH of the mouth and creates an alkaline environment that limits the growth of these bacterial strains. It can produce a higher calcium level in the saliva, which contributes to tooth enamel production.

Note: according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the amount of xylitol consumed must be in the range of three to eight grams and spread across the day.

Where is xylitol found?

Chewing gum: Find out how much xylitol each piece of gum contains and whether it also contains other sugar substitutes (such as sorbitol or aspartame).
Mints and sweets
Xylitol granules: Can be used for baking. Use them to replace refined sugar.
Syrup: An option for children under four

Facts: xylitol pros and cons

Studies showing whether xylitol actually prevents tooth decay are difficult to carry out. That’s why it is currently scientifically disputed whether this claim is true.

Let’s take a closer look at the other facts:

“Natural” doesn’t mean unprocessed
Xylitol occurs naturally in fruit and vegetables. However, to sell it in the form available in shops, it has to be heavily processed industrially. The best source of xylitol is hardwood birch, not (genetically modified) maize products.

Xylitol is not calorie-free
Xylitol isn’t sugar-free, but it contains 40% fewer calories than sugar. It has a glycaemic index of 7, sugar one of 84. This means that, unlike other natural sweeteners such as stevia, xylitol can affect blood sugar levels.

Xylitol can cause gastrointestinal problems
Like other types of sugar, xylitol draws water into the intestinal tract. This can lead to bloating and diarrhoea. To minimise side effects, experts recommend getting your body used to xylitol slowly. Increasing the amount gradually over a period of a week or more is advisable.

Conclusion: xylitol can be a healthy alternative

Xylitol has its place in dental hygiene. It would be going too far to say that the sugar alternative can replace your toothbrush and dental floss. It would be equally one-sided to claim that it has no benefits at all for oral care. But if you want to take really good care of your mouth and throat, xylitol alone isn’t enough.

Instead, keep yourself regularly informed about new topics, schedule visits to the dentist, eat healthily and get into a daily brushing and flossing routine.

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