Dentists' Recommendation
Caries prevention: Xylitol
Xylitol is conquering the world-wide oral care market. The reason lies in the special anti-cariogenic properties of the substance. Highly concentrated Xylitol (HCX) reduces the activity of the destructive bacteria, especially the most dangerous variety, Streptococcus mutans. Thereby HCX neutralizes the pH level in the oral cavity after starchy food consumption, and it reduces bacterial plaque on the tooth surface. Furthermore, HCX fights the discomfort of dry mouth and enhances remineralization of tooth enamel.
Some words on Xylitol
Xylitol is a naturally occurring polyol (sugar alcohol) that has gained much attention as an anti-caries agent. Most importance quality feature is the xylitol con-centration. Whereas usual xylitol concentration of chewing gums varies from 4% - 37%, HCX gums contain 66% of xylitol. With such high concentration, the desired cariostatic effect of Xylitol can apply.
Properties of Xylitol
Non-cariogenic
Xylitol is non-fermentable and therefore cannot be converted to acids by oral bacteria, thus it helps to restore a proper alkaline/acid balance in the mouth.
Cariostatic
Selectively inhibits the number of cariogenic bacteria If available in sufficient concentration, Xylitol has been shown to actively reduce the numbers of the most virulent caries-causative bacteria such as streptococcus mutans.
Stimulates remineralisation
Xylitol promotes the mineralization of the tooth enamel.
Inhibits the growth of dental plaque and to select for a healthier oral flora, with a reduced propensity to cause tooth decay.
Provides a long-term protective effect
Repeatedly using xylitol tends to increase protective factors in saliva. Xylitol stimulates saliva flow and helps keep salivary minerals in a useful form. Prolonged xylitol use increases the buffering capacity and protective factors in saliva. Increased saliva production is especially important for people suffering with a dry mouth due to illness, aging, or drug side-effects.
Protection is passed from mother to child
Several studies have shown the positive effects of Xylitol for oral hygiene. A Finnish study showed a dramatic 70% reduction in tooth decay among children whose mothers chewed xylitol gum (1).
Complements fluoride in oral hygiene products
Scientific evidence and endorsement
A large number of scientific studies have been published (literature separately available)
The Journal Of The American Dental Association concludes "Xylitol is an effective preventive agent against dental caries... Consumption of xylitol containing chewing gum has been demonstrated to reduce caries in Finnish teenagers by 30-60%. Studies conducted in Canada, Thailand, Polynesia, and Belize have shown similar results... " (2)
A study conducted at Harvard School of Dental Medicine concluded that: "Xylitol can significantly decrease the incidence of dental caries." (3)
(1) How Xylitol-containing Products Affect Cariogenic Bacteria. J. Am. Dent. Assoc., April 2000.
(2) Beiswanger, BB, Boneta AE, Mau MS, Katz BP, Proskin HM, Stookey GK. The effect of chewing sugar-free gum after meals on clinical caries incidence. J. Am. Dent. Assoc. 1998;129:1623-6.
(3) Hayes, Catherine, DMD; DMSc. The effect of non-cariogenic sweeteners
on the prevention of dental caries: A review of evidence. Harvard
School Of Dental Medicine.