How does xylitol fight cavities

If you want to chew a safety-approved sugar-free gum, remember to look for the ADA seal of approval on the packaging. The ADA never stamps their seal of approval on anything until the manufacturer verifies all product claims and meets all of their requirements for safety and effectiveness. Back to blog. Is it fact or fiction that Xylitol helps to prevent cavities? Xylitol syrups Xylitol syrup is indicated in young children with early childhood caries, as they are more likely to develop dental caries in permanent teeth than those without early childhood caries.

Xylitol mouth rinse The effect of a combination of xylitol and chlorhexidine on the viability of S. Xylitol dentifrice Toothpaste with xylitol led to a decrease in S. Xylitol on dental caries Five FDA-approved non-nutritive sweeteners with intense sweetening power are acesulfame-K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, and sucralose.

Xylitol and mother—child transmission of salivary S. Xylitol and oral hygiene Xylitol consumption reduced MS counts in plaque but had no effect on the microbial composition of plaque or saliva in general.

Conclusion In spite of the abundant literature on xylitol, still more research is needed on the mechanisms of action of xylitol, the clinical significance of xylitol resistance, and the effect of xylitol on the plaque—saliva distribution of MS.

Footnotes Disclosure All the authors report that there is no conflict of interest financial or other in this work. References 1. Caries prevention with xylitol. A review of the scientific evidence. World Rev Nutr Diet. American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Policy on the use of xylitol in caries prevention. Pediatr Dent. Rupesh S, Nayak UA.

Genetic sensitivity to the bitter taste of 6-n propylthiouracil: a new risk determinant for dental caries in children. Burt B. The use of sorbitol and xylitol sweetened chewing gum in caries control. J Am Dent Assoc. Xylitol and its vehicles for public health needs. Adv Dent Res. Intracellular xylitol-phosphate hydrolysis and efflux of xylitol in Streptococcus sobrinus. Oral Microbiol Immunol.

Streptococcus mutans : fructose transport, xylitol resistance, and virulence. J Dent Res. How xylitol-containing products affect cariogenic bacteria. Xylitol and caries prevention: is it a magic bullet? Br Dent J.

Effects of xylitol on xylitol-sensitive versus xylitol-resistant Streptococcus mutans strains in a three-species in vitro biofilm. Curr Microbiol. Effects of xylitol on growth of nasopharyngeal bacteria in vitro. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. The rocky road of xylitol to its clinical application. Smart Habit xylitol campaign, a new approach in oral health promotion. Community Dent Health. Field trial on caries prevention with xylitol candies among disabled school children.

Caries Res. An end to crossover designs for studies on the effect of sugar substitutes on caries? Deshpande A, Jadad AR. The impact of polyol-containing chewing gums on dental caries: a systematic review of original randomized controlled trials and observational studies.

Long-term effect of xylitol chewing gum in the prevention of dental caries: a follow-up 5 years after termination of a prevention program. Xylitol in caries prevention: what is the evidence for clinical efficacy? Oral Dis. Kandelman D, Gagnon G. Clinical results after 12 months from a study of the incidence and progression of dental caries in relation to consumption of chewing-gum containing xylitol in school preventive programs. The optimum time to initiate habitual xylitol gum-chewing for obtaining long-term caries prevention.

Mutans streptococci dose response to xylitol chewing gum. Xylitol gummy bear snacks: a school-based randomized clinical trial. BMC Oral Health. Xylitol pediatric topical oral syrup to prevent dental caries. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. Quintessence Int. Surdacka A, Stopa J. The effect of xylitol toothpaste on the oral cavity environment. A very partial list includes:. Sucking on xylitol hard candy or mints or chewing xylitol gum right after meals inhibits tooth staining and acid damage caused by bacterial metabolism.

But chewing any sugarless gum after eating produces extra saliva which has a buffering and diluting effect on the acidic bacterial wastes which cause cavities, so they all can be helpful. But if you are willing to chew Xylitol gum often, it can be very helpful to patients that have ongoing decay problems even after reducing sugar between meals. Two websites that provide more information are Xylitol. When this particular bacteria feeds on the sugar you eat, it produces acid that contributes to tooth enamel erosion, plaque production, gum disease, cavities, and eventual tooth loss.

How does xylitol prevent cavities? According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry , the amount of xylitol consumed must fall within a certain range three to eight grams and be spread throughout the day for maximum benefits. You can find xylitol in the following products:.

These are the scientific reasons why xylitol fights against cavities; however, clinical studies showing that xylitol reduces cavities are difficult to perform, leaving conflicting research on the validity of the claims. Although xylitol is found in fruits and vegetables not chemically produced like artificial sweeteners , it is still highly processed.

The best source of xylitol is derived from hardwood birch trees, rather than genetically modified corn products. People with diabetes should be aware that although it has a low glycemic index of seven compared to 84 for refined sugar , it may still affect blood glucose levels unlike other natural sweeteners like stevia.

Like most sugars, xylitol will pull water into the intestinal tract, which can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea. People with IBS should avoid consuming xylitol. To minimize side effects, it is recommended that xylitol is introduced slowly, over a week or more, for the body to adjust. You will want to keep your xylitol away from your dog and avoid sharing food that contains the sweetener.

Xylitol will cause their body to produce insulin, leading to hypoglycemia or even liver failure.