Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in the fiber of fruits, including strawberries, raspberries and plums, that has proven to promote positive dental oral health. Our bodies produce up to 15 grams of xylitol through the metabolism of foods high in xylitol. A white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar, a teaspoon of xylitol contains no carbohydrates and has 9.6 calories versus 15 calories in sugar.
Xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria that causes gum and tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans. Furthermore, it has a remineralizing effect and reduces the buildup of plaque. It can prevent tooth decay, reverse existing dental caries and provide preventative protection. Under the US Food and Drug Administration, xylitol-based products may make the claim that they do not promote dental caries.
Additionally, Xylitol inhibits the growth of Streptococcus penumoniae, which is the cause of ear infections. It has been found to prevent oral infections of Candida yeast while glucose and sucrose have been shown to promote Candida yeast infections.
Xylitol, which has no aftertaste, is becoming more popular as a natural sweetener. Unlike many sugars, it does not contribute to tooth decay, but rather prevents it, nor does it raise insulin levels. It produces 40 percent less food energy than sugar and is absorbed more slowly. It is, therefore, becoming popular in diabetic food.
Xylitol is found in fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, cereal grains, and hay and corn cobs. It is produced in large quantities from birch wood chips. Xylitol is increasingly being used in toothpaste, gum and candies as a sweetener and cavity preventer. It can also be found in nasal washes used in the treatment of ear infections.
For cavity prevention, a daily dose of 4 to 10 g of Xylitol is recommended. A higher daily dosage of 8 to 10 g has been recommended for ear infections.
Xylitol, as a sugar alcohol, can act as a mild laxative. Daily dosages higher than 30 g may cause stomach problems and diarrhea.
References* Hildebrandt GH,. Maintaining mutans streptococci suppression with xylitol chewing gum. J Am Dent Assoc . 2000;131:909–916.
* Uhari M, Kontiokari T, Niemela. A novel use of xylitol sugar in preventing acute otitis media. Pediatrics . 1998;102:879–884.
