Xylitol Products Frequently Asked Questions
[Answers provided by XLear, Inc.]
1. What is xylitol?
2. How does xylitol differ from other
sweeteners?
3. Where does xylitol occur in nature?
4. Where was xylitol discovered?
5. Is xylitol safe?
6. How much xylitol should one eat per day?
7. How does Spry Gum differ from other xylitol
chewing gums?
8. Can I give my dog xylitol?
9. What is xylitol's tooth-friendly effect?
10. Why is xylitol an important aid in caries
prevention?
11. Is it possible to replace daily teeth
cleaning with xylitol usage?
1. What is
xylitol?
Xylitol is a
sweetener that occurs naturally. It can be found in berries, fruit, vegetables
and mushrooms.
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2. How does xylitol differ from other sweeteners?
Chemically
speaking, xylitol is not actually a sugar, but a sugar alcohol. It differs from
other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose and glucose because its molecule
has five, instead of six, carbon atoms. Most bacteria and yeast in the mouth
are unable to make use of xylitol. It is much sweeter than sorbitol, for
instance. Assessed in terms of calories, xylitol's sweetening power is the same
as that of sucrose (table sugar). Xylitol is an important supplement in helping
to reduce the risk of tooth decay, and everyone interested in healthy teeth
should be familiar with its properties and effects.
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3.
Where does xylitol occur in nature?
Xylitol occurs in
small amounts in natural form, especially in fruit, berries, vegetables and
mushrooms. For example raspberry, strawberry, yellow plum and endive contain
xylitol. Xylitol is also found in human tissues.
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4.
Where was xylitol discovered?
Xylitol was
discovered almost simultaneously by German and French chemists in the late 19th
century. In the Soviet Union it has been used for decades as a sweetener for
diabetics and in Germany in solutions for intravenous feeding. Its dental
significance was researched in Finland in the early 1970's, when scientists at
Turku University showed it had significant dental benefits.
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5.
Is xylitol safe?
In 1983, JECFA, a
joint expert committee of WHO and FAO, confirmed the fact, already known by
scientists that it is a safe sweetener for foods. The FDA also confirmed this
fact in 1986.
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6.
How much xylitol should one eat per day?
Xylitol is a
natural and convenient way of supplementing daily dental care. Research shows
that a mere 5-10g/ day is enough. Xylitol should be chewed immediately after a
meal or a snack. If you eat more snacks, you of course need more frequent help
from xylitol.
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7.
How does Spry Gum differ from other xylitol chewing gums?
Spry Gum is
sweetened with xylitol only. Frequent eating of foods high in sugars and
starches can promote tooth decay. Xylitol, unlike other sugars, may reduce the
risk of tooth decay.
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8.
Can I give my dog xylitol?
No, we do not
recommend that xylitol products be fed to pets. Our xylitol products are
intended for human consumption only.
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9.
What is xylitol's tooth-friendly effect?
When you use
xylitol gum or mints, the acid attack that would otherwise last for over half
an hour, is stopped. Because the bacteria in the mouth causing caries are
unable to ferment xylitol in their metabolism, their growth is reduced. The
number of acid-producing bacteria may fall as much as 90%. Since no acid is
formed, the pH of saliva does not fall. After taking xylitol, the bacteria do
not stick well on the surface of the teeth and the amount of plaque decreases.
Research has
shown that the use of xylitol gum or mints also helps correct incipient damage
to the enamel. Saliva in itself protects the mouth and teeth.
Saliva containing
xylitol is more alkaline than saliva which contains other sugar products. After
taking xylitol products, the concentration of basic amino acids in saliva may
rise. When pH is above 7, calcium and phosphate salts in saliva start to
precipitate into those parts of enamel where they are lacking. Thus, soft,
calcium-deficient enamel sites begin to harden again.
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10.
Why is xylitol an important aid in caries prevention?
Xylitol is one of
the most important alternatives to sugar. But, it is more than a mere
substitute; it is a health-promoting sweetener. That is why xylitol chewing gum
and mints play an important role as instruments of dental care.
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11.
Is it possible to replace daily teeth cleaning with xylitol usage?
A healthy mouth
and teeth are an important part of vigorous everyday life. That is why it is
important to take good care of them. To keep a beautiful and healthy smile,
brush your teeth daily and visit your dentists regularly.
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