A Sugar that is Good for Your Teeth

Discovered by French and German chemists in the nineteenth century xylitol has been the focus of study, production and manufacture by many countries. Most recently in the 1970s the Finns’ research indicated that xylitol was good for the teeth even though it is a sugar. Today it is supplied by the Chinese who grow hardwood and maize. The Danes extract the sugar and manufacture the xylitol from these products Xylitol is produced by treating xylose, a type of sugar with hydrogen converting the sugar into an important alcohol.

Even though it looks and tastes like sugar, it has forty percent fewer calories than other sweeteners and prevents the development of acid in the mouth.

Xylitol gum has been proven to be harmless to teeth. In fact, xylitol has plaque-reducing properties and is actually very safe for the teeth. Xylitol is used worldwide, predominantly to sweeten chewing gums and lozenges. Toothpastes and mouthwashes also contain xylitol which is helpful in removing plaque from teeth. This is not all. Bacteria are unable to adhere themselves to the surface of teeth.

Xylitol also hampers the progression of Streptococcus pneumonia, as well as the attachment of Haemophilus influenza on the nasopharyngeal cells. It is now available in natural nose sprays to lubricate and heal dry nasal passages. Dry passages increase the likelihood of infections.

The consumer must be forewarned that not all products containing xylitol are the same. Before making the purchase read the label on the package to make certain that there is xylitol. The order in which the ingredient appears is also important. If it is at the start of the list, then the concentration of xylitol is beneficial.Avoid buying products where other sweeteners such as Sorbitol re also included. Since Xylitol is more expensive, many product manufacturers will only add a small amount of xylitol. It is not enough for the consumer to get the benefits. Look for products only listing xylitol and at the beginning of the list of ingredients.

Incorporating xylitol into one’s diet and practice of hygiene on a daily basis can improve the individual’s health and well being. Regular gum chewing with xylitol will produce a cavity free environment. Since the cost of xylitol is quite high it is difficult to locate products with the higher amounts of xylitol.

One thing is certain, xylitol is a fantastic addition to maintaining oral hygiene. Regular gum chewing with xylitol gum after meals and snacks will create a bacteria free environment in the mouth. Though still difficult to locate in retail outlets, the internet allows more flexibility to hunt down the brands that include the recommended amounts of xylitol. Perhaps gum chewing will get a better approval rating now that xylitol gum is around.