How Does Xylitol Benefit Your Dental Health?

Have you seen foods advertising they are sweetened with xylitol, a healthier substitute to sugar? Some varieties of sugar-free gum contain xylitol, with the manufacturers claiming it helps fight tooth decay and gum disease. The claims made by manufacturers may encourage you to try xylitol as an alternative to six-monthly dental visits to the dentist near me by cutting down on sugar to substitute it with xylitol. However you aware of what xylitol is? If you aren’t, please continue reading this article for more information on this product.

What Is Xylitol?

Xylitol occurs naturally as a compound in grapes, strawberries, fruits and vegetables, and onions. Xylitol was discovered in the 1900s in Germany. However, Finland was the country to use xylitol during World War II as a natural sweetener. The FDA in the United States approved xylitol in 1963 as a food additive and, after that, authenticated xylitol for use in toothpaste, chewing gum, energy bars, mint, and pharmaceuticals.

Xylitol is classified as a sugar alcohol in chemical terms, a variety occurring naturally in carbohydrates. Although xylitol contains alcohol, it does not contain ethanol, the compound responsible for intoxication.

How does xylitol help teeth?

Clinical studies analyzing the effects of xylitol on the teeth revealed the unique molecular structure of xylitol is helpful for remineralizing dental enamel before bacteria begin eroding the teeth. Additionally, xylitol supports proper oral pH levels by keeping an alkaline environment to help strengthen weakened tooth enamel.

The oral health benefits of xylitol revolve around enhanced saliva flow because saliva infused with xylitol increases the alkaline levels in the mouth. After oral pH levels cross 6.5, the calcium and phosphate levels in saliva begin hardening the weakened areas of the enamel.

The Use of Xylitol for Oral Health

The dentist in Petaluma, CA, recommends xylitol to patients affected by tooth decay and cavities. The two dental issues result from oral bacteria depositing acids on people’s teeth. When people do not remove food particles and bacteria by brushing and flossing, they become susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

Xylitol helps reduce the risk of tooth decay by enhancing saliva flow. The saliva flow helps stabilize the overall pH levels to decrease harmful bacteria in the mouth. The harmful bacteria are also responsible for conditions like gingivitis, xerostomia, and periodontitis.

Xylitol can protect your oral health! By inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, products with xylitol have been shown to reduce acid-producing microbes in one’s mouth by up to 50 percent. So let this sweetener defend against tooth decay and maintain a healthier smile!

In addition, xylitol weakens the bacteria’s ability to adhere to the teeth and create plaque. Plaque accumulation is challenging to remove with brushing and flossing after it hardens into tartar. People need professional cleaning from the dentist in Petaluma for effective Tartar removal.

Can Xylitol Restore Cavities and Reverse Gum Disease?

Studies conducted on synthetic enamel revealed that xylitol promotes remineralizing. However, the occurrence happened on the deeper layers of enamel and not on the surface layers. Eventually, the researchers concluded that xylitol by itself cannot remineralize tooth enamel without the presence of fluoride. However, they confirmed that xylitol coupled with fluoride, calcium, and phosphate is an effective technique to prevent tooth decay.

People with gum disease notice signs of bleeding from their gums as the first symptom of gingivitis. Gingivitis results from poor dental hygiene and accumulation of plaque on their teeth and below the gum line. Gingivitis, if left untreated, leads to receding gum lines, swollen gums, and periodontal disease.

Research into whether xylitol can reverse gum disease indicates it can help reduce mild or early gingivitis. People with such conditions can consider xylitol in Petaluma, CA, after a discussion with their dentist. However, people with frequently bleeding gums after brushing must visit their dentist for a thorough examination and deep cleaning.

Xylitol can promote saliva flow to combat oral bacteria. Remineralizing dental enamel compromised by bacteria and keeping the oral tissues hydrated to prevent the growth of bacteria responsible for tooth decay is also possible using xylitol. Xylitol is safe for use by children, adults, and diabetics.

People can purchase xylitol-containing toothpaste and mouthwash from pharmacies or online stores. In addition, chewing gum and mints are readily available in groceries and convenience stores. This article does not encourage people to avoid visiting dentists because they use xylitol. In reality, we suggest people not overlook six-monthly dental visits for professional cleanings and exams.

If you want to know more about how xylitol benefits your dental health, we suggest you schedule an appointment with Petaluma Dental Group to learn more about xylitol.