The selection of the right toothbrush and toothpaste is vital to make proper dental hygiene as your ‘two-times brushing is only successful when it is done in an appropriate manner. Now, when it comes to buying toothpaste, you will frequently come across the term-Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol. It is found in many fruits and vegetable plants. It is drawn out from Birchwood to prepare medicines and extensively used in ‘sugar-free’ chewing-gums, mints, and other candies. It is also used in toothpaste to make the paste more effective and natural.

Dental Benefits of Xylitol

You must have heard about the uses of Fluoride in toothpaste, its effectiveness, and its usefulness in fighting cavities. Xylitol is another such ingredient that is said to have commendable results. Many people get confused about its uses after learning its definition and seeing the word’ sugar’ in it. But, one needs to understand that Xylitol is much different from the regular sugar. It is an unfermentable sugar alcohol, which bacteria can’t process. Following are the benefits your dentist will tell you while recommending Xylitol toothpaste-

• It controls bad breath and tartar by reducing the harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• It puts a check on the production of acid and hence prevents decaying.
• Xylitol is effective in stimulating the production of saliva and neutralizing the ph, thus relieving dry mouth and repairing enamel damage.
• It has no unpleasant aftertaste. Instead, the toothpaste with Xylitol has a sweet taste.

Should you switch to Xylitol Toothpaste?

With so many benefits already mentioned, Xylitol is a worthy replacement for sugar. Plus, a toothpaste having Xylitol is no less in fighting the harmful bacterias of your mouth and will help you have healthy teeth. However, the use of this toothpaste should not be seen as a substitute for the regular dental hygiene you follow, like flossing and visiting your dentist periodically. One significant advantage of using Xylitol is that it is safe for both adults and children. If taken in a limited amount, it causes no harm and lets you free from lousy breath and cavities.

Not only the Xylitol toothpaste but also the xylitol-fluoride combination has been showing cariostatic effects on the enamel. Both ingredients work as complementary to each other and keep away the decaying.

Well, though many things have been studied about Xylitol, there is a lot more to be known. The research is still under process about the actions performed by Xylitol in the toothpaste and its effect on plaque-saliva distribution. Further aspects like the right amount of Xylitol to be used, and its frequency needs to be deliberated.

As we are blessed with a single set of teeth, we need to be careful while making an ingredient a part of our dental hygiene. It is imperative to discuss any new step in that context with the trusted dentist. As he knows more about the field and holds expertise in the same, he will make reliable suggestions as per your dental health.

Book Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.