How xylitol protects against cavities
Xylitol is proven effective in fighting cavities and is recommended by dentists for preventing tooth enamel diseases worldwide.
Back in the 1970s, a large-scale study was conducted in Finland assessing the link between cavity development and the consumption of sucrose, fructose, and xylitol. During the observation, the dynamics of carious processes and the frequency of new lesions appearing were compared in groups receiving different sweeteners. Following a two-year period, the xylitol cohort registered neither progression of cavities nor the emergence of new affected areas, indicating low cariogenicity and the protective effect of xylitol.
Xylitol possesses a convincing clinical base in cavity prevention based on reports from subsequent studies as well: in a number of studies, the registered reduction in incidence varied from 13.4% to 60% over observation periods from six months to three years.
Xylitol is an absolutely safe-for-health natural substance that is also produced in the human body during metabolism and is contained in various food products: birch sap, raspberries, bananas, mushrooms, plums…
Xylitol protects against cavities thanks to several mechanisms of action
1. Reducing bacteria levels:
Xylitol effectively suppresses the growth and spread of bacteria responsible for cavity development, such as Streptococcus mutans. These microorganisms use sugar for their life activity, which, in turn, leads to the formation of acids that destroy tooth enamel. Unlike sugar, xylitol is not a food source for these bacteria, which helps reduce their numbers in the oral cavity.
2. Improving tooth mineralization:
Xylitol promotes the process of tooth enamel remineralization. It helps in restoring minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which are necessary for strengthening teeth.
3. Saliva hydration:
Xylitol stimulates saliva production, which is important for tooth protection. Saliva contains minerals that help neutralize acids and restore tooth enamel.
4. Reducing acidity:
Xylitol consumption helps maintain a more neutral pH level in the oral cavity, which, in turn, decreases the probability of cavity occurrence. When acidity levels are low, it creates a less favorable environment for the growth of bacteria responsible for cavity development.
5. Preventing plaque formation:
Xylitol contributes to reducing dental plaque formation, which, in turn, decreases the probability of cavity occurrence and the development of gum diseases.
Consequently, its regular consumption can be a useful tool in cavity prevention and maintaining overall oral health.
Source:
Campus, G., Cagetti, M. G., Sale, S., Petruzzi, M., Solinas, G., Strohmenger, L., & Lingström, P. (2012). Six months of high-dose xylitol in high-risk caries subjects-a 2 — year randomised, clinical trial. Clinical Oral Investigations, 17(3), 785–791. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784–012–0774–5
Milgrom, P., Ly, K. A., Tut, O. K., Mancl, L., Roberts, M. C., Briand, K., & Gancio, M. J. (2009). Xylitol Pediatric Topical Oral Syrup to Prevent Dental Caries. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 163(7), 601. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2009.77
Alanen, P., Isokangas, P., & Gutmann, K. (2000). Xylitol candies in caries prevention: results of a field study in Estonian children. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 28(3), 218–224. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600–0528.2000.280308.x
Honkala, E., Honkala, S., Shyama, M., & Al-Mutawa, S. A. (2006). Field Trial on Caries Prevention with Xylitol Candies among Disabled School Students. Caries Research, 40(6), 508–513. https://doi.org/10.1159/000095650
