Dr. Ellie discusses the origins of xylitol, how to use xylitol for oral health, and so much more. Watch the video below to learn more.
Oral health benefits of xylitol: Fights cavities, cleans teeth, strengthens enamel, alleviates dry mouth, whitens teeth, and freshens breath.
Xylitol Highlights (pronounced ZIE-lih-tol):
- Five-carbon molecular structure or pentose sugar with supportive benefits for our bodies and oral health
- Often inaccurately confused with other “sugar alternatives” that are 6-carbon sugar alcohols
- Unique structure and effects are different from other sugars
- Fifteen (15) grams created daily by the human body as a product of our metabolism
- In granular form, looks and tastes like ordinary table sugar with slightly fruitier flavor
- Found in many plant fibers, including fruits (such as strawberries, raspberries, plums, and blackberries), vegetables (such as corn), and hardwood trees (such as birch)
- Low-calorie, low-glycemic index used as diabetic-safe sugar
How Xylitol Works
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suppresses the growth of harmful plaque bacteria and loosening it from the tooth’s surface
- Harmful dental plaque absorbs xylitol as if it were regular sugar, but the plaque bacteria cannot process the 5-carbon xylitol molecule – which is different from the 6-carbon sugar molecule.
- The plaque bacteria are depleted of energy, cannot multiply, can no longer form acids, and eventually wash away.
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feeds and promotes healthy bacteria to multiply
- A healthy mouth can have approximately 800 kinds of good bacteria, which is critical for a balanced microbiome.
- Supporting and nurturing these good bacteria is the best way to improve oral health through small, regular amounts of xylitol.
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stimulates mineral-rich saliva to heal the enamel and neutralize acidity
- Xylitol creates a hygroscopic effect in the mouth, meaning it pulls liquid to itself. When you put xylitol in your mouth, it stimulates the salivary glands.
- One of the greatest dental benefits of healthy saliva is that it contains minerals necessary for rebuilding the strength of enamel.
- Nonacidic – that is, neutral or alkaline – saliva also dilutes acidic liquid in the mouth and around the teeth, offering protection against tooth-damaging acids.
General health benefits
- Helps prevent preterm birth
- Improves gut microbiome
- Improves nasal, throat, ear and sinus health
- Supports weight management
- Increases bone strength and reduces body inflammation
- Modulates immune health
- Exhibits anti-cancer effects
- Improves skin health
- Forms butyrates for improved colon health
