Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, which is made up of carbohydrate which do not contain alcohol. Xylitol is produced naturally in small amounts in fibrous trees, fruits, vegetables and the cob of corn. Manufacturers of xylitol use it as a sugar substitute because it contains a few calories.
Food and oral hygiene products are a few of the uses of Xylitol. Sugar-free gum and toothpaste are two common products that contain Xylitol. People also use xylitol as a beverage sweetener and in baking. Let’s look at the many uses and benefits of Xylitol.
Uses
Because of its sweetness and few calories, Xylitol has been used as a substitute for sugar for many years. Manufacturers use xylitol in foods we eat, some of which include:
- sugar-free gum
- sugar-free candies
- jam
- jelly
- honey
- peanut butter
- yogurt
Xylitol has been used in dental products, including:
- toothpaste
- mouthwash
- fluoride products
Benefits
Xylitol has several health benefits, including:
Dental Health
Xylitol is contained in many dental products, including toothpaste and mouthwash because it is non-fermentable, which means that it cannot be converted into bacteria.
A 2017 study showed that xylitol reduces Streptococcus mutans (oral bacterium) in the mouth, which also reduces the amount of plaque that can lead to tooth decay.
In a 2014 study, scientists grew samples of Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is the bacterium responsible for gingivitis (gum disease). They added Porphyromonas gingivalis to human cell cultures which contained xylitol. The results showed an increased production of immune system proteins and lowered the growth of the bacteria.
Low Glycemic Index
Consuming Xylitol does not cause spikes in blood glucose or insulin levels in the body because it has a low glycemic index (GI). This makes it a good sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
Side Effects
Xylitol has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a food additive. It is safe but has been known to cause bloating and diarrhea. Xylitol however is very toxic to dogs.
About Thomas Gonzales, D.D.S.
Thomas Gonzales D.D.S. is a Los Angeles dentist with advanced training in dental implants. He has 45 years’ experience and is licensed in IV Sedation. Dr. Gonzales has taught courses worldwide on dental implants at LVI Global, Neodent and Dental Implant Institute. He was a professor of IV Sedation at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine and a neuromuscular dentistry instructor for Loma Linda Medical Center. He is a member of several prestigious organizations, including: the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, American Academy of Craniofacial Pain, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation and American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. Dr. Gonzales is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. He served in the United States Army and is a Vietnam War Veteran.
