Xylitol, a sugar substitute that occurs naturally in fruits, vegetables and tree bark, is becoming increasingly popular among people who want to fight tooth decay. Since “sugar alcohol” does not ferment, it can actually halt the process of plaque build-up in the mouth, especially if used after eating a meal or drinking a sugary beverage. But where can you find Xylitol products?
Spry Dental
Since most Xylitol products are dental in nature, we’ll start with Spry Dental, which manufactures several products with Xylitol. Chewing gum, mints and toothpaste are just the start of this line of products, and Spry uses the naturally minty taste of Xylitol to its advantage.
You can find these Xylitol products at a number of web sites online, or you can see if you can order them through your local drug store. A 100-count jar of the chewing gum, for example, costs anywhere from $6 to $9, while the toothpaste is slightly more expensive.
Xlear Nasal Wash
Xylitol products have also been manufactured for clearing up nasal congestion, such as Xlear’s Nasal Wash. This difference is that this product can open up nasal passages and reduce congestion without drying up your nose. It is considered both safe and non-habit forming.
You can find Xlear Nasal Wash online, at the official web site, or through other Internet retailers. With these types of Xylitol products, however, it is best to consult your doctor, especially if you’ve been using a different brand of nasal spray.
SweetSmart Jam
Some Xylitol products are not intended for medicinal purposes at all, but are instead regular foods that uses Xylitol as a sugar substitute. SweetSmart Jams, for example, come in a variety of flavor and contain no ordinary table sugar. Instead, they use Xylitol for the sweetness of the spread.
The problem with using these types of Xylitol products is the danger of overeating. If you consume too much Xylitol, you might experience several side effects, including loose stool. In fact, the packaging on SweetSmart says that “Excessive consumption may have a laxative effect”. So if you purchase these products, make sure to moderate your consumption until you know the effects.
Xponent Gum
One of the most popular Xylitol products is Xponent Gum, which is a regular chewing gum that uses Xylitol rather than ordinary sugar. It comes in a variety of flavors, from cinnamon to spearmint.
The difference with Xponent is that this particular chewing gum is 100 percent vegan, which means it can be used on a vegan or vegetarian diet. It is also Kosher certified, which is why it has grown in popularity.
B-Fresh
Another of the more popular Xylitol products is B-Fresh Xylitol Gum, which is unique in that it offers not only sugar-free chewing gum, but also water-soluble calcium and vitamin B-12. Again, however, you have to make sure you don’t chew too much of these Xylitol products or you risk nasty gastric side effects.
