| Discovered in 1891 by a German chemist, Xylitol has been used as a sweetener in foods since the 1960’s.
Xylitol occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables and is even produced by the human body during normal metabolism. Produced commercially from plants such as birch and other hard wood trees and fibrous vegetation, Xylitol has the same sweetness, bulk and caloric value as sucrose, and has no unpleasant aftertaste. It quickly dissolves and produces a cooling sensation in the mouth.
Xylitol is used in foods such as chewing gum, mints, gum drops, jellies and chocolate, and in pharmaceuticals and oral health products such as throat lozenges, cough syrups, children’s chewable multivitamins, toothpastes and mouthwashes. In the United States, Xylitol is approved as a direct food additive for use in foods for special dietary uses.
Most recently, Xylitol has been proven to reduce tooth decay! It is a good-tasting sugar substitute that has been shown to dramatically reduce cavities. After consuming foods and drinks that are high in sugar, bacteria can grow in your mouth and cause cavities. Using Xylitol increases the production of saliva in your mouth and works to reduce the acid that causes cavities. It also drains the fuel that bacteria need to wear away the enamel on teeth.
We recommend that you use Xylitol gum or mints after meals, snacks and sodas at least 3 times per day. |
