Benefits of Xylitol for Dental Health

Offering Xylitol as an alternative for people with dental issues can help them manage recurring cavities easily and affordably. People having dry mouth, are aging, or have undergone oncology treatment will most likely have an acidic pH. These people, along with those that consume a lot of acidic foods and drinks are especially vulnerable to demineralization. When pH is low, essential minerals are leeched out of enamel, which results in white spot lesions and decay. Research suggests that five minutes of exposure to 100% xylitol-sweetened product will neutralize acids and bring back normal pH.

Reduced salivary flow:

Xerostomia is a term that refers to dry mouth resulting from reduced or absent saliva flow. This another concern of many patients. Patients with less-than-adequate amounts of saliva are uncomfortable and at an increased risk for decay. Xylitol stimulates salivary flow and allows minerals to be deposited to keep enamel strong. Xylitol works by reducing the level of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in plaque and saliva by impairing their energy production processes. This useful sugar alcohol reduces the adhesion of these tiny bacteria to the teeth surface, thus preventing their harmful effects.

Xylitol can help protect teeth from demineralization:

Many patients dislike fluoride. Individuals that fall into a high-risk category can benefit from additional fluoride treatments. Preceding a fluoride application with a xylitol exposure actually compliments fluoride uptake by neutralizing the acidic environment of the mouth, allowing for maximum effectiveness. Xylitol also minimizes the stickiness of plaque, allowing it to slide off the tooth for those that have less than perfect brushing habits. The bacteria in plaque can’t metabolize xylitol as a food, and the bacteria exhaust themselves trying to communicate in the biofilm community and reproduce. Because bacteria are not metabolizing the xylitol, they will die and break away from the biofilm and not stick to the teeth.

Xylitol in many fruits and vegetables:

The problem is that people don’t consume enough of these in their normal diet to get the desired dental benefits. Because of high consumption of xylitol, a person can experience unpleasant gastric side effects. Xylitol is generally safe, but like other sugar alcohols, it can cause digestive issues such as bloating and diarrhea in some people. The key is moderation. In cases of discomfort, just add xylitol more slowly into one’s daily routine and the body will adapt it.