What Is Xylitol and Why Is It Good For Oral Health?
More than a mere sugar substitute, xylitol is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar polyol that tastes as sweet as sugar but does not have the same negative affects on your teeth that sugar does. Infact, it has been widely studied in the last 40 years for its affects on reducing dental caries (cavities) including:
- Reduction of oral bacteria
- Reduction of dental plaque
- Ability to aid in teeth remineralization
- Ability to neutralize the pH level of your mouth by increasing saliva flow
Xylitol is also a prebiotic meaning it feeds the good bacteria in your mouth (and in our probiotic) and helps keep the good guys alive and thriving.
Xylitol has a low glycemic index and it is found naturally in fruit, vegetables, and berries, as well as xylan-rich plant materials such as birchwood and beechwood. While xylitol makes an excellent choice for improving oral health, there are a few precautions to be aware of:
- Consuming more than 10g of xylitol/day can cause digestive issues. This is because sugar alcohols like xylitol can pull water into your intestine or get fermented by gut bacteria. Too much xylitol can also affect the delicate balance of your gut flora so we recommend sticking to just chewing or sucking it to support teeth and gums rather than consuming it in foods as a sugar substitute.
- Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs.
Our dental probiotic has just the right amount of xylitol to support your oral health without disrupting your gut. But it's still a no-no for your furry friend!