Xylitol: Naturally Sweeten Your Life...
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that comes from plants and trees and is found in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is approximately the same sweetness as table sugar. It has 40% less calories and has a very low glycemic index, making it ideal for diabetics.
Xylitol is a normal part of our body's glucose metabolism. It is a 5 carbon structure that makes it impossible for the streptococcus bacteria to produce the acid that breaks down enamel. Xylitol also stops the bacteria from secreting the sticky substance that makes plaque.
Using Xylitol in a therapeutic regimen over a period of time will greatly diminish the strep bacteria population in the mouth. As healthy bacteria takes over, the PH levels in the mouth will rise from an acidic to a more alkaline state. This leads to a reduction in future decay.
Another benefit of Xylitol Therapy is the reversal of decay. As long as the enamel has not broken down, we can inactivate the bacteria inside the tooth. Then with the remineralization of the enamel by adding the necessary building blocks contained in Xylitol products, we can return a tooth to a state resistant to future decay.
Xylitol is available in many forms...toothpaste, mouthwash, gums, mints, granular form and others.
1 American Dental Association, Division of Communications
2 ADA