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