Xylitol

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural substance that is commonly referred to as a “sugar substitute.” Unlike regular sugar that can adhere to your child’s tooth enamel and lead to harmful acids breaking down the outermost layer and causing cavities, xylitol is a non-fermented sugar alcohol that actually helps to benefit their developing pearly whites and lower the risk of tooth decay.

Where is Xylitol Typically Found?

When you say the word, “xylitol,” the first item that may come to mind is chewing gum. But this is not the only place xylitol is found, which is good news for toddlers and younger children who are considered too young to safely chew gum.

Xylitol is also found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables as well as berries, oats, mushrooms, birch, and even corn husks. But even if these foods are your child’s favorites, you’ll be surprised to learn it can also be one of the main ingredients in certain toothpaste brands, mints, chocolates, dental floss, and even mouthwash, so there’s no doubt you can make sure your child is receiving adequate amounts of xylitol each day.

How Can Xylitol Prevent Cavities?

Xylitol is sugar alcohol found in many forms such as gum, mints, toothpaste, nasal sprays, and food sources. Xylitol is not readily metabolized by the oral bacteria, and therefore, can’t be broken down to create acid and cavities. Our office encourages the use of toothpaste containing Xylitol for patients that are higher risk for cavities.