Using Xylitol to prevent cavities

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a five-carbon alcohol sugar. It is sweet in taste, similar to sugar (sucrose). Xylitol can be found in varying amounts in gum, drinks, etc. Yet it works as an anticavity therapy agent in three ways. First, cavity causing bacteria cannot turn xylitol into acid, as they do many other carbohydrates and sweeteners, protecting the teeth from additional acid exposure. Second, because the bacteria cannot use xylitol, it reduces their growth and a bacterial starvation effect occurs that over time can reduce total bacteria levels. Finally, because it is sweet tasting, it causes an increase in salivary flow to aid in the repair of damaged tooth enamel. Xylitol has been recognized as an effective anticaries agent and also multiplies the effects of even small amounts of fluoride.

Where to get Xylitol

Xylitol is a much less common anticavity agent than fluoride. One of the primary reasons xylitol is often limited to professional dental care and prescription grade products and not included in over-the-counter products is its cost. Xylitol is 5-6 times more expensive per kilogram than most common over-the-counter dental product sweeteners such as sorbitol. Also, in order to provide an effective "therapeutic dose" of xylitol, a dental care product should have a minimum concentration of at least 10%, while other sweeteners are used in much smaller concentrations. The most recent reasearch shows 6g of xylitol which equals to 1 and a half small individual packs of xylitol is the best therapeutic dose. While xylitol may be listed on many product labels, often patients and professionals must contact manufacturers or search their websites to determine how much xylitol is actually present in the product. For example, gums like Trident and Extra have very low does of xylitol. Xylitol gum such as PUR contain much more.

The most cost effective ways to get xylitol is from indiviudal serving packages sold in bags of 100 servings. Amazon and Walmart sells XYLA which is a brand name of xylitol.

Benefits of Xylitol

Another proven benefit of xylitol is its synergistic therapy effect when combined with sodium fluoride. Xylitol can potentiate even very small levels of fluoride. The dental product combination of sodium fluoride and xylitol can provide additional anticaries benefits of 12%.

Xylitol does not contribute to cavity formation. In addition, it prevents or reduces the incidence of new cavities. Xylitol actually reduces the amount of plaque and the number of bacteria in plaque. No other sugar substitute has been shown to function this way. Xylitol is safe for all age groups, and products specifically designed for children under the age of 2 are available. Xylitol can be found in oral rinses, sprays, toothpastes/gels, wipes, gums, and lollipops for children and adults.

If you have any questions on how to use xylitol, please let us know the next time you are at our practice.