Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate that looks and tastes just like ordinary table sugar. It is mostly extracted from renewable resources that are sustainable and environmentally friendly such as corn cobs. Xylitol acts as a natural sweetener that can be extracted from any woodsy fibrous plant material. It has a sweet taste with no unpleasant aftertaste. Not only does it make an excellent sugar substitute, it also aids in the prevention of dental caries and reduces plaque formation as well!
In case you weren’t aware, sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth. When this happens, the bacteria multiplies quickly producing acids that cause cavities. When using a product that contains Xylitol, the acid that is attacking the enamel of your teeth is stopped. The bacteria in the mouth causing caries are unable to ferment xylitol and their growth is reduced. The number of acid producing bacteria falls to about 90% and since there is no acid, the pH of the saliva doesn’t fall.
Studies show that the effect of Xylitol on teeth is long-lasting and possibly permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been completed. In addition to starving harmful bacteria of their food source, use of xylitol raises the pH of saliva in the mouth. When the pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to precipitate into those parts of enamel where they are lacking. For this reason, use of xylitol has demonstrated not only a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, it also has shown the arrest and even some reversal of existing dental caries – the goal of course is to starve bacteria and prevent tooth decay!
Xylitol can be found in products like gum or mints depending on the type. Here’s a quick tip:Look for packs with Xylitol on the label.
Although Xylitol has wonderful oral health benefits it is always wise to see your dentist first and mention how effective Xylitol would be if you incorporated it in your diet.
