What is Xylitol?
Xylitol, a natural carbohydrate sweetener, is extracted from fibrous plants and materials such as birch, mushrooms, and corn cobs. As a white, crystalline substance, xylitol looks and tastes like sugar but with 40% fewer calories, 75% fewer carbohydrates, and virtually no effect on the body’s insulin levels. Used as a sweetener, xylitol is FDA recognized as safe and approved, suggesting no known or serious side effects from using xylitol in a daily diet. For more information regarding xylitol as a product, please visit the official website by clicking HERE.
A History in Brief:
Native Americans, in the 1800’s and before, used xylitol rich plants in daily life to help maintain their oral health, especially in children. In the 1950’s, xylitol was first used as a dietary sweetener in food and during baking. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, studies conducted shed light on a plethora of benefits of xylitol products, including oral care benefits and no spike in insulin levels for those with diabetes.
What are the Dental Benefits?
Xylitol and products that contain xylitol, such as gum, mints, and hard candies have dental benefits. Xylitol helps to keep the mouth at a natural pH level and helps to prevent plaque or bacteria from sticking to teeth. With fewer bacteria and tartar, teeth are protected from cavities. Xylitol products also increase the amount of saliva produced, which helps to coat and protect teeth and natural enamel.
In order to see oral care improvement, patients are recommended to use xylitol products at least 5 times a day. According to recent studies, it is not the quantity of xylitol consumed, but the frequency of use. To see the most drastic results, chew gum or suck on a mint after every meal, upon waking up, and prior to falling asleep at night. Through the use of xylitol at least 5 times a day, studies prove that the quality of teeth will greatly improve as well as a reduction in the number of bacteria present in the oral cavity.
Do you need a dentist?
Although xylitol may drastically improve dental health, everyone should still attend the dentist regularly for routine cleanings, general dentistry procedures, and to ensure overall well-being. Dr. Alexander Ash at Studio Dental Care located in Studio City, California recommends the best products for oral health. With great customer care agents and professional hygienists, Dr. Ash and his office serves the entire Los Angeles area including the Burbank, Toluca Lake, and Sherman Oaks areas. Make an appointment today to speak with a professional regarding your oral health, including the use and implementation of xylitol in your daily regimen.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.