Xylitol toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol that comes from birch trees and other types of hardwood trees and plants. Xylitol is believed to improve dental health. It tastes sweet, but unlike sugar, it doesn’t turn into acids in the mouth that can promote tooth decay.
It is said to slow down its growth Streptococcus mutans (the bacteria most closely associated with tooth decay), xylitol toothpaste is often touted as a natural approach to tooth decay prevention.
This article discusses the potential benefits and side effects of xylitol toothpaste, as well as other ingredients you should know about and popular brands available.
Benefits of xylitol toothpaste
Research on xylitol toothpaste has yielded mixed results:
- In a 2015 review of 10 studies, a fluoride toothpaste containing 10% xylitol reduced cavities by 13% compared to a fluoride-only toothpaste when used for two and a half to three years. However, the study authors noted that the evidence was considered of low quality and recommended large, well-designed clinical trials.
- A 6-month study involving 96 4- and 5-year-old children found that fluoride toothpaste with 31% xylitol was no more effective than standard fluoride toothpaste in preventing early childhood caries and reducing Strep mutans.
- A 2015 laboratory study compared the effects of different types of toothpaste on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. The researchers found that xylitol toothpaste did not significantly inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans or Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Can xylitol cause tooth decay?
Unlike other sugars, xylitol does not promote tooth decay and should not cause tooth decay. However, it is not clear whether xylitol toothpaste is more effective than standard fluoride toothpaste in preventing tooth decay.
Side effects of xylitol toothpaste
Xylitol has been approved for safety by the US Food and Drug Administration as a non-nutritive sweetener. However, some side effects of xylitol have been reported, including:
- Sores in the mouth
- Inflation
- Cramps
- Constipation
- Gas
- Loose stools
- Diarrhea
Xylitol toothpaste should not be swallowed or left in the mouth without rinsing.
Xylitol toothpaste should not replace standard care for the treatment of a dental condition (such as periodontitis). If you’re thinking about trying xylitol toothpaste, talk to your dentist first.
Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. If your dog eats xylitol toothpaste, it’s important to get him to a vet right away.
Other ingredients commonly added to xylitol toothpaste
Although xylitol is the main ingredient, other ingredients can be added to the toothpaste, such as:
- Mild abrasives for removing stains and surface residues such as silica gel, calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, phosphates or calcium carbonate
- Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauryl sarcosinate to create foam and help loosen plaque and grime from tooth surfaces
- Flavorings such as spearmint, cinnamon, peppermint, menthol or wintergreen to provide a fresh taste
- Binding agents such as carrageenan, cellulose and xantham gum to provide a creamy texture
Many toothpaste brands clearly list xylitol on their product labels, especially those that claim to be fluoride-free. However, other product labels may be less obvious. Xylitol may have other names, such as:
- Wood sugar
- Birch sugar
- Birch bark extract
Some products simply list “sugar alcohol” under the inactive ingredients.
For optimal dental health, the National Institutes of Health recommends brushing your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning your teeth every day with dental floss or another type of interdental cleaner. He also recommends limiting your consumption of sugary foods, avoiding tobacco use and smoking, and visiting your dentist or oral health professional on a regular basis.
Popular brands of Xylitol toothpaste
Popular brands of toothpaste that contain xylitol include:
- Epic toothpaste without fluoride
- Spray All Natural Kids Fluoride Free Tooth Gel with Xylitol
- Now Solutions Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel
- Tom’s of Maine Natural Fluoride Free Anti-Plaque & Whitening Toothpaste
Xylitol is also used as an ingredient in dental care products such as gums, lozenges, lozenges and mints.
Summary
Although it is too early to tell whether xylitol toothpaste can significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay, it is possible that xylitol products may have some benefit when used in conjunction with standard measures to prevent tooth decay, such as brushing your teeth daily with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily and visiting your dentist regularly.
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