How Does Xylitol Work?

There are plenty of alternatives to regular table sugar on the market today, many of which are artificial sweeteners. Xylitol is a relatively new type of sweetener, but the difference is that Xylitol is not artificial. It is found in several fruits, berries and vegetables, and can be produced industrially. But how does Xylitol work? And why is it preferable over other sweeteners?

The primary use of Xylitol is as a preventative measure against dental caries. The applications are enormous, but many dentists agree that this sugar alternative can not only replace sugar in the diet, but also reduce the amount of tooth decay suffered from daily eating.

Unlike many of the artificial sweeteners on the market today, according to Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, Xylitol is non-carcinogenic. This means that imbibing large amounts of this sweetener is unlikely to contribute to cancer later in life, which makes it safer for consumption. The reason why Xylitol is non-carcinogenic lies in its inability to ferment.

When a person eats ordinary table sugar, the pH balance of plaque in the mouth falls below its normal threshold of pH 7. When it dips under pH 5, an “acid attack” begins, which simply means that the sugar in the mouth has begun to ferment, providing different bacteria with energy and allowing it to dissolve tooth enamel. This is what leads to dental caries and what Xylitol strives to avoid.

One of the most dangerous types of bacteria in the mouth is Streptococcus mutans, which is a primary source of tooth decay. Xylitol, it is theorized, bonds to the proteins that transport energy to Streptococcus mutans, thereby halting the process of tooth decay.

This is only a theory, however, as scientists have yet to pinpoint exactly how Xylitol works. Like with many new discoveries, researchers can observe how Xylitol affects body chemistry and biology, but cannot precisely say how those results are affected. Suffice to say, the impact of Xylitol on the mouth is largely beneficial.

Of course, in order for Xylitol to work properly, a large amount must be ingested every day. In fact, if an individual wants to eliminate as much tooth decay as possible, he or she must introduce Xylitol to the mouth after every meal, snack and sugary beverage.

The most effective way to introduce Xylitol to the mouth is through chewing gum, which must be chewed for a minimum of five minutes to achieve the desired result. The optimum intake of this alternative sweetener is 5-10 grams per day, according to Xylitol.org, which amounts to between three and eight pieces of gum per day.

Research continues on how Xylitol works, which means that more answers might be forthcoming soon. In the meantime, it might be worth it to try out Xylitol in your own diet to see if it has any noticeable impact on tooth decay. As with all changes in diet, however, it is a good idea to consult both your physician and dentist to make sure it is appropriate for you.

Source:

Marilynn Rothen, RDH, BS, How does Xylitol work in caries prevention?, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene