Wouldn't it be great if there was a product that dentists could recommend that was both sweet and delicious and also prevents tooth decay and helps to improve a patient's overall health as well? There is a product available that occurs naturally and is safe for people to consume: Xylitol
Xylitol has been around a long time. Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol derived primarily from forest and agricultural materials, particularly birch and other hardwood treese. It is also found in fruit (yellow plums), berries (strawberries and raspberries), vegetables (endive), and fungi (mushrooms). Xylitol is also produced in the human liver, which explains why it's safe for humans to consume.
So what does Xylitol actually do? In the oral cavity, table sugar reduces, creating an acidic, caries-promoting pH. Xylitol does not reduce in the mouth like table sugar; therefore it does not create acid. Microorganisms do not readily metabolize Xylitol, and its consumption has minimal effect on plaque pH. However, Xylitol does accumulate in bacteria. This accumulation inhibits the bacteria's growth. In short, consuming Xylitol stops the cavity-causing bacteria from growing and significantly reduces the risk of cavity formation.
Not only is Xylitol free from cavity causing acids, it can help prevent cavities when used as an alternative to sugar. Many people are pleasantly surprised to hear this news, especially dentists, who are recommending Xylitol to their patients, particularly those who are at high risk for decay.
Of course, it's not enough for dentists to encourage their patients to consume products containing Xylitol - they need to know how much to recommend. A common consensus seems to be between six and ten grams of Xylitol (or three to five servings).
