What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a carbohydrate that is found in plants such as raspberries, corn, oats, mushrooms and the birch tree. A natural sweetener, it is comparable to sucrose in sweetness but contains fewer calories. Xylitol was first used in large quantities in Finland in the 19th century, where it was extracted from birch trees. Very quickly, it became a popular sugar substitute in Europe and is now used as the primary sweetener in chewing gums all across Europe and east Asia.

What are the Oral Care Benefits of Xylitol?

Xylitol is a carboydrate that cannot be processed by harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause plaque, tooth decay, gum disease, and ear and sinus infections. These bacteria will consume xylitol but will not be able to digest it and essentially starve to death.

Additionally, xylitol has 40% fewer calories than sucrose and absorbs more slowly into the blood stream, reducing incidence of hyperglycemia. Studies have shown that individuals who chew gum sweetened with xylitol experience a lower rate of ear infections, tooth decay, gum disease and plaque. Similar studies have indicated that new mothers who chew xylitol gum experience a lower rate of tooth decay in their young children.

What Makes XyliMelts a Better Choice?

Clinical studies suggest that the benefits of xylitol are greatest when there is a continuous concentration of xylitol in your mouth. You must chew 2 to 3 pieces of gum 3 times a day (that's 6-9 pieces of gum a day!) to obtain the full benefits of reduced plaque, tooth decay, gum disease and ear infections. Because XyliMelts is an adhering dome that releases effective concentrations of xylitol over time, you don't need to consume as much xylitol to achieve the same effect. More discrete than chewing gum, XyliMelts also works with dentures and braces.

Interested in Learning More About xylitol? Browse the Links Below:

Xylitol.org - general xylitol information

Army MREs to contain xylitol gum

Xylitol facts compiled by the U.S. Army

Information on xylitol and XyliMelts compiled by ORAHEALTH