Xylitol A Lower Calorie Sweetener Thats Good For The Teeth!

Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate that does not affect insulin levels and raises the pH level in the mouth, neutralizing acids produced by sugar-fed bacteria. Xylitol is a sugar substitute that has been shown to reduce the level of mutans streptococci in plaque and saliva and to reduce tooth decay. It is a sugar alcohol used in candy and chewing gum. Xylitol is a sweetener that occurs naturally. Xylitol is produced commercially from birch trees and other hardwoods containing xylan. It has the same sweetness as sugar and should be used in one to one proportions to sugar.

Xylitol occurs in small amounts in natural form, especially in fruit, berries, vegetables and mushrooms. Xylitol is not only safe for pregnant and nursing women, but studies show that regular use significantly reduces the probability of transmitting the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is responsible for tooth decay, from mother to child during the first and second years of life by as much as 80%. Xylitol, like most sugar alcohols, has a laxative effect, because sugar alcohols are not fully broken down during digestion one must use care when using this sugar substitute.

Studies have shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent ear infections (acute otitis media); the act of chewing and swallowing assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing the middle ear, whilst the presence of xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian tubes (auditory tubes or pharyngotympanic tubes) which connect the nose and ear.

Eating 5 to 10 grams of Xylitol a day reduces acid-producing bacteria in the mouth by as much as 90 percent. There are almost 650 types of bacteria that can be found in our mouths. The difference with xylitol is in its structure, it is a 5 carbon sugar alcohol that bacteria consume, but because of its difference in structure, the bacteria do not have the capability to metabolize it, thus acting as a poison to them and causing them to die which is great for our teeth.

Safety:

The FDA has ruled that Xylitol is safe in any amount in humans. While Xylitol is safe for humans, it can be harmful to dogs. Never rely on the presumption that what is safe for a human to ingest is equally safe for your pets. Research has been done on dogs and demonstrated that xylitol can cause liver damage in high doses, there is no extensive research done on cats or smaller rodents so limit the consumption of this sugar substitute to humans only.

In conclusion, studies on xylitol have shown that it can safely protect and strengthen teeth, prevent decay, and help heal early cavities. Studies have demonstrated its safety in humans and danger in animals. Xylitol crystals are about 60% the calories of sugar, low in carbohydrates, diabetic safe (within limits), and can save you and your family thousands of dollars in dental bills if consumed on a daily basis.