Clinically Proven

Several key benefits of using xylitol have been established based on its inherent properties as well as conclusions drawn from the studies conducted during the past 20 years. The results of these studies are cited in the table below.

Inherent Characteristics of Xylitol

Xylitol has a 5-carbon chemical structure which is not recognized by oral bacteria, including Mutans Streptococci. Since xylitol is not fermented, it will not result in the acid production in plaque and the pH levels in the mouth remains neutral. Xylitol can also have the added benefit of actually reversing the fall of pH levels in the mouth (produced by sucrose) when, for instance, a person chews a xylitol-sweetened sugarless gum. The oral pH is raised to a safe level, saliva flow is stimulated which in turn helps to rinse away excess sucrose residues and neutralizes any acids that have been formed. One last benefit is that saliva contains the minerals, in particular calcium and phosphate, which help to promote the remineralization of early cavities.

The most fundamental difference between xylitol and other sweeteners is that xylitol reduces the amount of plaque and the virulence of mutans streptococci in plaque. Xylitol functions as a modulator of the oral flora and when consumed habitually, xylitol can even help to repair teeth by stimulating the remineralization of teeth already affected by cavities. And, no matter how long xylitol is consumed (even during long term habitual use), oral bacteria will not adapt to metabolize xylitol so its benefits continue while its being consumed and has even been proved to continue after Xylitol is no longer a part of daily use.

Xylitol Benefit	How Xylitol Works	Clinical Evidence
Resists fermentation by mouth bacteria and lowers acid production	The beneficial effect of resisting fermentation is largely due to xylitol's 5-carbon chemical structure which is not metabolized by oral bacteria	Effect of Chewing Xylitol Chewing Gum on Salivary Flow Rate and the Acidogenic Potential of Dental Plaque
Reduces cariogenic micro-organisms	Xylitol is unique among the polyols because it inhibits the growth of mutans streptococci, thereby reducing caries susceptibility. Furthermore, continued use of xylitol will help to reduce the number of virulent bacteria in the plaque. However, xylitol is not a bactericidal agent but functions instead as a modulator of the oral flora by specifically inhibiting the growth of these highly cariogenic bacteria.	Oral Biochemical Status and Depression of Streptococcus Mutans in Children during 24- to 36-Month Use of Xylitol Chewing Gum
Reduces mother-child transmission of micro-organisms	Mothers with high levels of mutans streptococci may transfer the microorganism to their children. The earlier that these bacteria colonize the children's teeth, and the higher the number in their mouths, the greater the risk is for the development of cavities. Habitual consumption of xylitol by mothers was associated with a significant reduction in the mother-child transmission of mutans streptococci, which ultimately resulted in a significant reduction in the caries incidence of these children at five years of age.	Mother-Child Studies I & II
Reduces Plaque	Xylitol is significantly more effective than other sugar substitutes in reducing the growth of plaque in the oral cavity. Xylitol also reduces the proportion of insoluble polysaccharides and increases the proportion of soluble polysaccharides present in plaque which results in plaque that is less adhesive. Thus, the plaque becomes easier to remove when brushing teeth and may even be removed by the natural washing action of the saliva.	Ability of a Xylitol Chewing Gum to Reduce Plaque Accumulation Recent studies at the Dental Schools of Michigan and Indiana Universities have tested the effect of Xylitol/ sorbitol blends in chewing gum and mints. They showed a significant decrease in plaque accumulation.
Increases salivary flow	A person's susceptibility to cavities is increased when the salivary flow rate is reduced by disease, medication or aging. Xylitol's pleasant sweet taste stimulates salivary flow, which in turn increases the pH level in the mouth and neutralizes acids produced from other fermentable carbohydrates. This is an inherent property of polyols; however, xylitol's combination of higher sweetness and intense cooling effect is particularly effective in increasing the salivary flow.	This is an inherent property of polyols. However, Xylitol's higher sweetness and cooling effect increases the salivary flow even more.
Stimulates remineralization of teeth	Use of xylitol has a positive impact on the oral environment which helps to prevent the demineralization of healthy teeth and enhances the remineralization of teeth already affected by caries. This is accomplished via the increased flow of saliva that contains minerals such as calcium and phosphate, and the stabilisation of calcium and phosphate complexes in the saliva.	The Belize Chewing Gum Study
Reduces new caries formation, even in the long term benefit even after xylitol use has been discontinued	Xylitol helps in the battle against tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria associated with dental caries. This same benefit also reduces new caries formation, even when subjects are already practicing good oral hygiene. Xylitol also has been shown to have a long term benefit in reducing caries formation, even after xylitol use has been discontinued. This effect has so far been shown to persist for at least five years.	Ylivieska Study and Follow-up The Belize Chewing Gum Study
Compliments fluoride in oral hygiene products	Fluoride inhibits demineralization of the tooth surface and promotes the rate and the extent of remineralization. Combinations of xylitol and fluoride in oral hygiene products provide superior cavity prevention over fluoride only products, and exhibit cumulative benefits such as reduction in plaque weight and mutans streptococci levels..	Enhanced Anticaries Efficacy of a 0.243% Sodium Fluoride/10% Xylitol/Silica Dentifice: 3-year Clinical Results

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