Xylitol is a sugar alcohol close to the sweetness of sugar, but with half the calories. Along with erythritol , xylitol might be the most popular sugar alcohol. Xylitol is used in many sugar-free chewing gums or mints and is known for its ability to prevent cavities.
Xylitol naturally occurs in several fruits and vegetables. Usually, xylitol is commercially produced from corn or tree bark to use as a sugar substitute in products like candy , bubble gum, yogurt , and toothpaste.
Although sugar alcohols have molecular structures similar to drinking alcohol, sugar alcohols cannot get you drunk. Sugar alcohols are safe for individuals battling alcohol addiction. Table sugar has approximately 3. Is xylitol safe in chewing gum? Yes, xylitol is safe in chewing gum. In moderation, it is safe for diabetics and individuals on the keto diet. A major benefit to sugar substitutes, like xylitol, is the reduction of added sugars from your diet.
Added sugars are categorically bad for you. The more added sugar you consume, the higher your risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and death. Xylitol should not replace good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth and flossing. Xylitol is well known for boosting dental health. More than any other health benefit of xylitol, this one is supported by scientific research. Sugar alcohols do not contribute to tooth decay, like sugar does. But xylitol, in particular, has been shown to prevent tooth decay cavities.
In , scientists found that xylitol may be associated with a decrease in harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans , which is a significant contributor to tooth decay. Xylitol prevents cavity formation , not only by starving harmful bacteria of the sugar they crave, but also decreasing the number of harmful bacteria in your oral microbiome. This is one reason you can chew sweet-tasting xylitol gum, and it is still good for your dental health. Xylitol can be consumed in moderation while on the keto diet or if you have diabetes.
This is because xylitol is low on the glycemic index and has a low blood sugar impact. Glycemic index GI describes how much a certain substance affects your blood glucose levels. Pure glucose has a GI of out of Even though xylitol tastes almost as sweet as regular sugar, xylitol has a fraction of the GI.
Xylitol has a GI between out of This means that xylitol has little effect on your blood glucose levels, and is mostly safe for people on the keto diet or with diabetes. Xylitol should only be consumed in moderation, since it does have a small effect on your blood sugar.
But a couple pieces of gum a day are unlikely to cause a spike in your blood sugar. Research indicates that xylitol inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria that can cause ear infections. These bacteria can cause acute otitis media a common type of middle ear infection.
This is one reason some parents use xylitol as a substitute sugar in feeding bottles for their young children. Oral thrush AKA oral candidiasis refers to raised, white, sore patches in your mouth or on your tongue. Oral thrush is usually caused by the fungus Candida albican s. Xylitol seems to be able to neutralize Candida fungi. A recent in vitro study shows that xylitol may be an effective treatment for this fungal infection.
Xylitol may also be useful in treating mixed infections , such as when you get a Candida fungal infection along with a bacterial infection. Gut health is important to your everyday health. A huge portion of your immune system is present in your gut — a healthy gut usually signals a healthy immune system. Animal studies show that xylitol may neutralize harmful bacteria in your gut microbiome, much like it can in your oral microbiome.
This allows probiotics beneficial bacteria to grow in your gut, promoting overall gut health. However, consuming too many sugar alcohols in a day can lead to gastrointestinal distress and even negative changes in gut bacteria. Take this health benefit with a grain of salt. Couldn't have had a better team to help my now year-old achieve her perfect smile. Hatcher Dr. Contact Us. Free Consultation. Fighting cavities is as easy as chewing gum. What is Xylitol? About The Author.
Scott Frey. Scott Frey is a renowned Orthodontist, professional speaker, and founder of the More than Smiles Movement. Experience Our Difference. Make An Appointment. How to Use the My Invisalign App for better treatment outcomes. New referral rewards program lets supporters earn big! What they are saying. Orthodontic Costs, Financing and Insurance.
Make an appointment. Quick Links. Our Locations. Western Branch. Great Bridge. Norfolk Premium Outlets. Your cart is empty Return to Shop. Continue Shopping. Flavors include everything from bubble gum to lemon-lime to peppermint to mixed berry. This gum comes shaped in balls that will make you nostalgic for the stuff you chomped on as a kid. Choose between flavors like bubble gum, lemonade, pomegranate, wild berry, and watermelon.
Just bite into this gently—gums with hard exteriors like this can be tough on your teeth if you have underlying dental issues, Dr. Xylichew is sweetened with birch xylitol and is made of vegetable glycerin, gum arabic sap from an acacia tree , sunflower lecithin, and carnauba wax. The company makes a point to state that their gum is plastic- and preservative-free.
Flavors include cinnamon, fruit, spearmint, black licorice, spearmint, and peppermint. This gum get its sweetness from isomalt a sugar alcohol , xylitol, and stevia, and comes in flavors like spearmint, cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint.
It contains peelu tree fibers, which have been used in oral hygiene for thousands of years. This gum is certified USDA organic and made with evaporated cane juice, chicle, glucose, agave syrup, and natural flavors. Support from readers like you helps us do our best work. And sign up for our FREE newsletter here for daily health, nutrition, and fitness advice.
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