What experts say
NIH Consensus Statement
"Non-cariogenic sweeteners have been delivered to teeth as constituents of chewing gum, hard candy, and dentifrices. The evidence for sorbitol and xylitol are positive, although the evidence for xylitol is stronger."
As stated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries Throughout Life, NIH Consensus Statement 2001. This report was generated at the Consensus Development Conference (CDC) in March 2001. The CDC's conclusions included a number of concerns about U.S. dental health such as indications that tooth decay remains a significant problem especially in certain population segments (as also indicated in the Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health released in 2000). A full report of the NIH Consensus Conference, entitled "Diagnosis and Management of Dental Caries Throughout Life" together with the full consensus statement, is available by visiting the NIH Consensus Development Program website at http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2001/od-28a.htm. The panel's press release is also available on the website at http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/mar2001/od-28a.htm
"Never before has a NIH document included a positive statement of this degree for xylitol"
Prof. Kauko Makinen, Turku University
"Since the evidence suggests a strong caries protective effect for Xylitol, it would be unethical to deprive subjects of its potential benefits."
Dr. Catherine Hayes of Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Journal of Dental Education. Vol 65, No.10.
Other Expert References on Xylitol
"..xylitol is inhibitory to the metabolism, growth and plaque formation by the mutans streptococci ... xylitol is conducive to remineralisation of initial carious lesions ... I have full confidence that these data distinguish xylitol form any other sugar substitute"
Prof. Jason Tanzer, Head of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
"Xylitol has therefore a clear advantage over sorbitol and other bulk and intense sweeteners. It is the only one to show both passive and active anti-caries effects. Its values for caries prevention both as an alternative sweetener ... and as an active anti-caries agent ... is considerable, and demands further attention"
Prof. Ronnie Levine OBE, Scientific Advisor to the UK HEA
"Xylitol may be the biggest advance against cavities since fluoride"
Dr. Nigel Carter - International Dental Health Foundation
