Are you tired of dealing with cavities (tooth decay)? Xylitol may be a great tool to add to your oral hygiene routine. There are many dental benefits of xylitol and including it as an adjunctive dental therapy. The AAPD supports the use of xylitol as a noncariogenic (non-cavity-causing) sugar substitute.
First, let’s start with the basics. What is xylitol? Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can be found in many fruits and vegetables. It looks and tastes just like regular sugar, but it has some major dental benefits.
One of the main benefits of xylitol is that it reduces the risk of cavities. A study published in the Journal of Dental Research found that xylitol can reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria. When bacteria in the mouth break down sugar, they produce acid that attacks the teeth and leads to tooth decay. Xylitol doesn’t allow the bacteria to produce this acid, which means it can help prevent cavities from forming.
Xylitol may also help improve overall oral health. It can increase saliva production, which helps neutralize acidity of the mouth and keeps the mouth hydrated (counteracting xerostomia AKA dry mouth). This can lead to a decrease in dry mouth, a common problem that can lead to tooth decay and other oral health issues.
So, how can you start incorporating xylitol into your dental routine? One easy way is to use xylitol-sweetened gum or mints. Chewing gum or sucking on mints can help increase saliva production and keep your mouth hydrated. Just be sure to choose a product that contains at least 25% xylitol, as this has been shown to be the most effective concentration for preventing cavities. I personally use these four brands: Pur, Epic, Spry, and Zellie’s. The gums contain 1g of xylitol per piece, and the mints contain 0.5g of xylitol per piece.
You can also use xylitol-sweetened toothpaste or mouthwash, although we haven’t determined ideal concentrations and their duration of use is shorter, so their impact may be less than that of gum or mints chewed for 20 minutes, as the ADA recommends.
It’s important to note that xylitol is safe for most people, but it can be harmful to pets, especially dogs. If you have pets, be sure to keep xylitol-containing products out of reach and should they ingest any xylitol, even a single piece, contact your veterinarian and seek emergency care immediately!
In conclusion, xylitol is a natural sweetener that can have some major dental benefits. It can help prevent cavities, reduce the severity of existing cavities, and improve overall oral health. Chewing gum or sucking on mints, using xylitol-sweetened toothpaste or mouthwash, or incorporating xylitol into your diet are all easy ways to take advantage of the dental benefits of xylitol. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of pets. Try incorporating xylitol into your dental routine today and see the benefits for yourself!
