Why Your Toothpaste Should Have Xylitol in It

Why should your toothpaste have Xylitol in it? Xylitol is a simple sugar that is classified in the United States as a carbohydrate rather than a sugar; Xylitol was approved by the FDA in 1963. Xylitol is a birch tree derivative, and has 40% fewer calories than refined sugar. In over three decades of laboratory research on Xylitol, not one study has shown it to be detrimental to dental or physical health, but many studies have shown that Xylitol has clear beneficial dental and medical properties.

For instance, many nations, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Finland--have approved xylitol as a known anti-cavity agent, for use in toothpastes, gum, and dental floss. A 1984 research study in Finland showed that children who chewed xylitol-based gum three times a day had 53% fewer cavities than children who did not chew xylitol-based gum. Adding it to toothpaste, then, makes a great deal of dental sense.

Xylitol is also lower on the glycemic index than other sugars, and therefore plays a major role in helping people with diabetes to enjoy xylitol's sweet taste, without increasing blood sugar or creating problematic insulin levels. Some diabetics struggle with sugar in toothpaste.

Finally, xylitol has been shown, in recent studies, to help prevent ear infections. Not only does the xylitol help with reducing and preventing dental decay, it reduces the growth of bacteria in the eustachian tube, where ear infections begin. By adding xylitol to toothpaste further bacteria protection can take place.

Two minor issues related to xylitol in toothpaste are important to consider: pets, and over-consumption. Xylitol can be toxic to dogs; if you have a furry friend who enjoys getting into things and eating whatever he or she can get their paws on, be sure to store xylitol-based toothpastes far from dogs. Over-consumption for humans is a minor consideration. In large quantities, xylitol can cause diarrhea. Most people discover this after eating a large amount of cocolate flavored with xylitol rather than sugar. When eating candy made with xylitol or maltitol, eat in moderation. The use of toothpaste with this additive will not cause digestive problems.

When added to toothpaste, xylitol helps to repair minor cavities just as they are beginning, and reduces the accumulation of plaque on teeth. In other words, xylitol has more than forty years of use in the United States, is known to reduce dental decay, has no known negative side effects, and is a safe additive in toothpaste to help with dental hygiene.