Is xylitol good for oral health? | Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics (2024)

If you’ve heard of xylitol as an alternative to sugar, you may wonder if it’s a healthier substitute! Is xylitol better for you? Is it a good idea to opt for xylitol during orthodontic treatment?

Here’s everything you need to know!

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that serves as a sugar substitute. It’s commonly used in chewing gum, mints, and other oral care products. While it may not be as well-known as other ingredients, xylitol holds a number of benefits for oral health!

Benefits of xylitol

1. Xylitol reduces bacteria in the mouth.

Xylitol helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Bacteria in the mouth cannot digest xylitol the way they can digest other sugars, so they don’t produce the acid that leads to tooth decay. This reduction in bacteria can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

2. Xylitol gum stimulates saliva production

Xylitol gum stimulates saliva production. Saliva is important for oral health, because it helps to neutralize the acid in the mouth and wash away food particles and bacteria. By stimulating saliva production, xylitol gum helps to keep your smile clean and healthy!

3. Xylitol toothpaste can help prevent cavities!

Xylitol toothpaste holds many of the same benefits as xylitol gum. Can xylitol reverse cavities?
Yes! Xylitol can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, stimulate saliva production, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Xylitol toothpaste can help to remineralize teeth that have been damaged by acid. This ingredient increases the uptake of calcium and phosphate, which are essential minerals for healthy teeth.

Does xylitol whiten teeth?

While xylitol does not directly whiten teeth, it does strengthen the enamel, which can make teeth appear whiter by reducing discoloration and plaque buildup!

How to use xylitol for teeth

One of the easiest ways to experience the benefits of xylitol is by chewing xylitol gum after meals and adding xylitol toothpaste to your oral hygiene routine.

Whether you have braces or clear aligners, you can opt for xylitol toothpaste to help maintain a healthy smile! It’s best to avoid chewing gum if you have braces, because the sticky properties of gum can pull a wire out of place or loosen a bracket. If you have Invisalign®, be sure to take your clear aligners out before chewing xylitol gum.

While xylitol can supplement your oral hygiene routine, products like xylitol gum should not be used to replace any part of your oral hygiene routine.

Don’t forget to brush and floss your teeth frequently (ideally after each meal), visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings, and visit us for your treatment check-ins!

Still have questions about xylitol in your oral hygiene routine?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! We’re here to provide you with all of the tips you need to maintain a beautiful, healthy smile throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Have more questions? Check out our braces FAQs and request your complimentary consultation with Dr. Andrews and our experienced team at our Augusta or Grovetown orthodontist office!

Is xylitol good for oral health? | Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics (2024)

FAQs

Is xylitol good for oral health? | Rogers & Andrews Orthodontics? ›

Xylitol can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, stimulate saliva production, and prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Is xylitol safe for braces? ›

Many xylitol gums on the market are soft, making them a great option for those with braces. These brands are all known for their soft texture and easy removal: Spry Xylitol Chewing Gum. Epic Dental Xylitol Gum.

Do dentists recommend xylitol? ›

The more frequently xylitol is used, the less bacteria and acid will be in the mouth. Fewer dental visits, fewer cavities, healthier teeth and gums will result. Xylitol is recommended by general dentistry professionals, periodontists and healthcare professionals.

Can xylitol rebuild teeth? ›

While xylitol doesn't directly rebuild enamel, it can contribute to enamel remineralization by promoting saliva production, which contains essential minerals like calcium and phosphate. These minerals help strengthen and repair enamel over time.

Does xylitol improve gum health? ›

As Xylitol limits the production of oral bacteria, patients with gum disease experience reduced soft tissue irritation and bleeding. Xylitol also lowers acid levels on your teeth, which prevents the development of tooth decay, and has been shown to re-mineralize dental enamel, making teeth stronger over time.

When should you not use xylitol? ›

It has been reported that xylitol can raise blood glucose levels, which suggests that diabetics shouldn't consume it. Xylitol side effects also include constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, borborygmi, colic, increased bowel movements and weight gain.

Is it safe to brush teeth with xylitol? ›

Yes you can, as long as it's Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural occurring alcohol sugar that is commonly used in chewing gum such as “Orbit” and other products.

What is the downside of xylitol? ›

High amounts of xylitol can cause diarrhea and intestinal gas. Because long-term effects aren't clear, you may want to steer clear of xylitol if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. And, although it's safe for humans, even small amounts of xylitol can be fatal to dogs. Keep xylitol products out of reach of pets.

Is xylitol safer than fluoride? ›

Unlike fluoride, xylitol is safe for babies and toddlers to swallow, allowing it to be both an effective substitute and complement to fluoride in oral care products. The safety of xylitol has been proven in long term clinical studies and has been confirmed by all the major regulatory bodies worldwide.

Is it okay to have xylitol every day? ›

It is possibly safe when used in chewing gums, candies, lozenges, toothpastes, and mouth rinses in amounts up to about 50 grams daily. It might cause diarrhea and gas in some people. Taking high doses of xylitol is possibly unsafe. Using very high doses long-term might cause tumors.

Does xylitol destroy gut bacteria? ›

This strain takes xylitol into the cell to metabolize it into a phosphate. However, the metabolization process makes xylitol toxic to the bacterium, killing it. Amazingly, studies using xylitol and sorbitol chewing gum show that xylitol does not seem to affect the good bacteria we want to keep in our guts.

Is stevia or xylitol better for teeth? ›

Like xylitol, stevia does not interact with teeth plaque and therefore, doesn't contribute to tooth decay.

Does xylitol dissolve plaque? ›

Xylitol reduces plaque formation and bacterial adherence (i.e., is antimicrobial), inhibits enamel demineralization (i.e., reduces acid production), and has a direct inhibitory effect on MS. [7] Dental benefits of xylitol first were recognized in Finland in 1970, using animal models.

What gum brands have the most xylitol? ›

With . 85 grams of xylitol in every piece, B-Fresh contains more xylitol than any other chewing gum on the market. With four flavors to choose from, B-Fresh is a gum that both patients and dentists can agree on chewing. According to the B-Fresh website, “B-FRESH ® Products contain no sugar, salt or preservatives.

What is the healthiest gum for your teeth? ›

Xylitol Is Sweet for Your Teeth

Chewing gum is even more effective at preventing cavities if it contains a sugar replacement called Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that some studies have shown can reduce the amount of cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth.

How long does it take for xylitol to work on teeth? ›

Studies have shown that five to 10 grams of xylitol a day can reduce the acid-producing bacteria by as much as 95% after six months. Pure xylitol looks and tastes like regular white table sugar, and it is used to sweeten a variety of candies and chewing gum, in addition to toothpastes and mouthrinses.

Is xylitol tooth friendly? ›

Xylitol can help prevent dental cavities, making it a tooth-friendly alternative to traditional sweeteners. It is also low in calories, so opting for foods that contain this sweetener rather than sugar may help a person reach or maintain a moderate weight.

Can I have sweeteners with braces? ›

You should steer clear of sugary drinks and even sugar-free versions, including ones containing artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes, as these can be very acidic which can cause the demineralisation of your tooth enamel, especially around the brackets, which could leave you with white spots on your teeth after ...

Is xylitol safe for Invisalign? ›

If you have Invisalign®, be sure to take your clear aligners out before chewing xylitol gum. While xylitol can supplement your oral hygiene routine, products like xylitol gum should not be used to replace any part of your oral hygiene routine.

Does xylitol stain teeth? ›

When you use products containing xylitol, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, or chewing gum, you're able to reduce the levels of these bacteria. Less plaque and fewer bacteria mean your teeth can stay cleaner and appear whiter, as there's less buildup to cause staining and discoloration.

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