The Secret Way to a Healthier Mouth

There is an ingredient you need to understand if you want to prevent cavities in your mouth.  That ingredient is xylitol.  Found in some sugarless gums, it is a naturally occurring artificial sweetener.  Did you know that it also prevents cavities?  So, here it is, the info on xylitol:  what it is, what it does, and why you shouldn't ingest too much of it!

What is Xylitol?

It is an artificial sweetener, one that our bodies and some plants make in small amounts naturally.  Xylitol, the product, comes in many forms, even in granulated form to replace table sugar.  It is usually made by chemically removing it from plants, either corn or birch.  There is controversy over whether it is a natural product since it is subjected to processing, but hey, other things are processed without controversy, like vinegar or...vodka.  As far as teeth go, there is xylitol in some toothpastes, and in chewing gum, yet beware claims that all of the products are useful.

What Does It Do?

Xylitol sweetens, yes, but it also does something to bacteria.  The bacteria that use sugars to grow into fuzzy blankets over your teeth are unable to use the xylitol.  In fact, in a large enough amount, xylitol can actually kill the bacteria.  Ultimately, should you decide to use xylitol to kill bacteria, you will change the types of bacterial flora in your mouth, which will prevent cavities.

Why Not EAT It?

Because the xylitol only needs to be ingested by bacteria to help you orally, you don't need to eat it.  Eating artificial sweeteners can give you some interesting intestinal experiences.  Here are two examples of stories (here and here), both of which bring smiles to our faces, but only because we are not going through the apocalypse described.  Just know that there is nothing wrong with spitting out the xylitol, you still get the antibacterial benefit without the side effects!  Want to know more?  As much fun as internet searches can be, the recommended course is to discuss xylitol with your physician or dentist, who will give you information based on research and experience.