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Dr. Khushbu Gopalakrishnan, one of NewMouth’s in-house dentists, says using xylitol toothpaste has many benefits.
From inhibiting cavity-causing bacteria to remineralizing teeth, xylitol is an often overlooked toothpaste ingredient that can keep your smile healthy.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits and potential side effects of xylitol. We also rounded up the best xylitol toothpastes based on their:
Xylitol (zai-luh-taal) is a natural compound found in some plants, including fruits and vegetables such as carrots, strawberries, and yellow plums.
It’s a type of polyol or sugar alcohol—a carbohydrate that resembles the chemical structure of sugar and alcohol but doesn’t actually contain them.
Xylitol is often added to dental care products like toothpaste because it adds sweetness. Plus, it’s good for your teeth and oral health.
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Xylitol toothpaste is an alternative to toothpastes containing sugars and artificial sweeteners. Here are the benefits of xylitol in toothpaste:
The problem with sugar is that it feeds harmful bacteria, causing them to thrive in your mouth. Bad bacteria can’t use xylitol for energy.
Studies show xylitol inhibits cavity-causing bacteria such as:
This prevents them from thriving and producing acids that can damage your tooth enamel. It lowers your risk for tooth decay, plaque formation, and gingivitis (a disease that causes inflammation of the gums).
Xylitol increases the saliva in your mouth, which washes away food particles, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms—like fungi.
Saliva also creates a protective layer called a pellicle over your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth so bacteria don’t stick to them.
The increased saliva production reduces microbial growth and helps you avoid oral diseases. It relieves symptoms of dry mouth (xerostomia) and prevents bad breath (halitosis) which typically accompanies it.
Xylitol helps neutralize the acids in your mouth through saliva production. This prevents enamel erosion, demineralization, and teeth stains.
Since saliva contains calcium, fluoride, and phosphate, it can also remineralize your tooth enamel and the dentin underneath it.
Remineralization strengthens teeth and reduces its sensitivity to cold and heat. It also makes you less prone to developing dental cavities.
The increased saliva flow from xylitol reduces the ‘bad bacteria’ in your mouth and supplies ‘good bacteria’ with the nutrients they need.
Regular consumption of xylitol products has been shown to maintain this balance. A healthy oral microbiome inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria and lowers your risk for dental caries and gum disease.
Commercially-produced xylitol (like the one found in xylitol toothpaste) is derived from plant-based sources such as birch bark and corn cobs.
This makes xylitol toothpaste a natural alternative to toothpastes with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, stevia, sorbitol, and sucrose.
Xylitol is just as sweet as table sugar but has 40% fewer calories. It also has a low glycemic index which means it won’t cause your blood sugar to spike.
Here are the best brands of xylitol toothpastes we could find:
Best for: Fighting cavities, sensitive teeth, and teeth whitening
CariFree products are safe, scientifically backed, and highly effective at preventing cavities. They use a patented pH system that balances the microorganisms in your mouth for a healthy oral environment.
The CTx4 Gel 1100 neutralizes decay-causing acids. It contains xylitol and fluoride and optimal levels of nano-hydroxyapatite. Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes have significant remineralizing effects. In addition to preventing cavities, it can reduce tooth sensitivity and whiten teeth.
The toothpaste comes in 2 fl oz (57g) tubes, enough for brushing twice a day for a month. You can choose between the traditional mint flavor or citrus and grape flavors.
Best for: Plaque prevention, cavity protection, and fresh breath
Spry combines the power of anti-cavity fluoride and bacteria-fighting xylitol to clean teeth and freshen breath.
This Spry toothpaste is safe for both kids and adults. It has a natural spearmint flavor that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
It’s also sweetened with 100% xylitol and does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is known to cause mouth sores in some people. It contains zinc citrate to control plaque and freshen breath. Plus, all the ingredients are non-GMO, vegan, and cruelty-free, so you can feel good about your oral care routine.
Spry toothpaste is also budget-friendly, costing around $6.50 for a 5 oz (140g) tube. That’s enough for about 2 months of brushing twice daily.
Best for: Preventing cavities, plaque, and tartar
Epic is a company that centers around xylitol and raves about its benefits. All their products, including mouthwashes, breath mints, chewing gums, and toothpastes, are sweetened with it.
This toothpaste contains a combination of fluoride and 31% xylitol. It helps prevent tooth decay, plaque, and tartar. It has a refreshing spearmint flavor, so it tastes great. It’s also safe for both children and adults.
Epic xylitol toothpaste comes in a 4.9 oz (139g) tube and costs around $7.50. If you prefer, there is also a fluoride-free option.
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According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, xylitol can be ‘safely used in foods for special dietary uses’. However, you should only consume more than what’s needed to get the desired effect.
For cavity prevention, 7 to 20 grams of xylitol per day divided across three to five doses is enough. Too much xylitol may cause these side effects:
Remember to talk to your dentist before purchasing xylitol toothpaste.
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