What is xylitol?
Xylitol is one of many sugar substitutes commercially available. It’s considered natural because it’s derived from trees or other plant fibers. Although it’s not a zero-calorie sweeter, xylitol does boast 40% fewer calories than regular sugar (sucrose). It first arrived on the scene in the 1960s, and in the 1970s, whispers began across the pond about potential dental health benefits.
Xylitol isn’t metabolized by cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth and so does not contribute to dental decay. Notably, xylitol’s effect on insulin and blood sugar levels is negligible (in humans), which is good news for people with diabetes. Stay to the end, however, for a discussion of the impact xylitol has on our canine friends.
How is xylitol used in dentistry?
Xylitol has been the subject of dental studies since the 1970s. With varying degrees of reproducibility, studies have demonstrated the ability of xylitol to thwart the growth of cavity-causing bacteria while leaving the good oral bacteria unharmed. It’s postulated that these effects on cavity-causing bacteria also reduce cavity rates, but the evidence is weak or inconclusive. Many studies contained small sample sizes, inherent biases, or varied widely in methods such as the dosages and frequency of xylitol used.
Where does that leave us? Suffice it to say that xylitol is probably better for your teeth than sucrose, but it isn’t the holy grail of sweeteners, either. Can it help? It’s plausible. Does it hurt? Not if you’re human. The anti-cavity effects of xylitol make sense logically, but they haven’t been conclusively demonstrated via randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. That’s the highest level of evidence.
I still like xylitol and recommend it as a pediatric dentist. So go ahead, choose the xylitol gum instead of big league chew. Wipe baby’s teeth with xylitol-infused baby wipes if you don’t have a toothbrush with fluoridated toothpaste handy. Choose xylitol-sweetened candies instead of traditional ones. A word of caution, however, regarding xylitol as it relates to the opposite end of the digestive tract. Ahem. Excessive xylitol consumption has a laxative effect. So do yourself a favor and heed the hilarious Amazon reviews from the giant bag of xylitol-sweetened gummies as a warning and pace yourself.
Why should I keep xylitol away from my dog?
The point of this post isn’t so much about xylitol as a dental therapy as it is a plea to KEEP XYLITOL PRODUCTS AWAY FROM YOUR PUPS. Dogs love anything associated with our mouths. I don’t know why. Let’s be honest; dogs are pretty gross sometimes (and I love all three of my little mongrels to the moon and back). The dogs of the world have probably chewed up hundreds of retainers, Invisalign trays, toothbrushes, bleaching trays, or night guards this week alone. Fellow mamas of these dogs and children, I weep with you.
There is one mouth-product you must keep away from Sir Doggykins at all costs, though, and that is xylitol. Xylitol and canines (the four-legged kind) do not mix. (Sorry, this Mama loves Dad jokes – HA!). But in all seriousness, xylitol and dogs equals bad news. We’re talking hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure. It can quickly (ten minutes to an hour) be fatal even in small doses (a package of xylitol gum). Be sure to keep any xylitol products (gums, lozenges, wipes, toothpaste, rinses, powders) far away from your pooches. It tastes sweet and delicious to them, but it’s rapidly absorbed into their bloodstream and causes the pancreas to dump insulin, which results in a rapid drop in blood sugar.
If you suspect your pup has ingested a xylitol-containing product, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately! Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by your vet because if the dog is already hypoglycemic, inducing vomiting can worsen their condition.
Here’s to keeping your four-legged family members safe by storing all xylitol-containing products (like gum in purses and backpacks) out of reach. I’ll also take this moment to mention that cat owners may rejoice; xylitol doesn’t affect felines. They fare similarly to humans. I know, I know, they’re too smart to go digging for a snack at the bottom of your purse anyway.
