Frequently Asked Questions

What is xylitol?

Xylitol (C5H12O5) is a naturally occurring sweetener, chemically, one of a class of substances known as polyols, or sugar alcohols. Xylitol is produced in granular or powder form and looks and tastes like sugar with a slight cooling effect on the tongue.

Where does xylitol come from?

Xylitol is found in a number of fruits, berries, mushrooms, and hardwood trees and is produced in small amounts (5-15g. per day) in the human body. Commercially, xylitol is produced from hardwood such as birch trees and also from corn cobs.

Is it natural?

Yes. As stated above, xylitol is a naturally occurring substance.

Why is it better than sugar?

Unlike sugar, xylitol:

--Inhibits the growth of plaque producing bacteria that cause cavities.
--Stabilizes saliva pH, inhibiting the corrosive effect of plaque produced acids that attack tooth enamel, causing decay.
--Has been clinically proven to reduce the incidence of ear infections (otitis media) in children who use xylitol chewing gum or mints.
--Has a glycemic index of 7 compared to glucose which has a glycemic index of 100. Xylitol is a safe alternative sweetener for use by diabetics.
--Has 2.4 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram in sucrose.
--May be beneficial in reversing the effects of osteoporosis. Clinical trials have shown that xylitol helps remineralize bone mass.

How does it work?

With respect to caries (tooth decay) prevention, xylitol inhibits the growth of plaque producing bacteria ,primarily streptococcus mutans. Plaque bacteria thrive on sucrose (a 6-carbon disaccharide), creating destructive acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Xylitol is a 5-carbon molecule that cannot be easily metabolized by bacteria. The use of xylitol orally, by chewing gum or sucking on mints, not only deprives bacteria of a supportive environment for growth, but also increases the production of saliva which is a natural mechanism for cleansing and repairing damage to tooth enamel. This one-two punch is a very effective means of caries prevention.

Is it safe?

The FDA and the World Health Organization have both confirmed the safety of xylitol.

What’s the best way to use xylitol?

The best way to use xylitol for its dental benefits are by chewing xylitol gum or sucking on xylitol mints. The objective is to keep it in solution in the mouth for long enough to be effective.
Many people use it to reduce their caloric intake or as a sugar replacer in a low carb diet. For those purposes it can be used just like sugar as a table top sweetener and in recipes and baked goods.

How much do I need to get a beneficial effect?

With respect to caries prevention, 4-12 grams per day is recommended.

How long do I need to chew xylitol gum?

Not long. About 3 to 5 minutes is all that’s needed. Frequency is actually more important than duration. Ideally, xylitol gum should be chewed after every meal and before bedtime.

How often should I use it?

Again, with respect to caries prevention, 3 to five times a day will do the trick.

Is it safe for diabetics?

Absolutely. Xylitol has a glycemic index of 7 compared to glucose with a glycemic index of 100.

What does “glycemic index” mean?

The Glycemic Index (GI) ranks carbohydrate-rich food by the immediate effect their digestion has on blood sugar levels. The Index measures how much your blood sugar increases over a period of two to three hours after a meal. . Carbohydrate foods that break down quickly during digestion have the highest glycemic index. Generally, foods with lower GI values are preferable, because they break more slowly into glucose.