Why Xylitol is Good for Your Teeth
Xylitol is abundant in benefits for your teeth. It is a natural sweetener and a sugar alcohol that many vegetables and fruits contain. Not only is it found in plants and trees, but in the human body too. Although it is a sweetener, it has 40 percent fewer calories compared to sugar. Keep reading to find out the treasure mine of benefits xylitol has for your teeth.
Benefits Of Xylitol For Teeth
Bacteria cause damage to your teeth by leading to enamel erosion. As a result, your tooth starts decaying. But xylitol comes to the rescue against the harmful bacteria in your mouth. Xylitol protects your teeth against decay and is equally beneficial for your gums. Let us look at the benefits of xylitol for teeth and gums:
- Eliminates the Harmful Bacteria
- Balances pH
- Stimulates Salivary Flow:
- Washes away any food debris that might be stuck on your teeth.
- Your enamel is at risk of erosion by the acids that form when bacteria react with food debris. Saliva helps in neutralizing these acids and thus, protects your enamel.
- Contains phosphates and calcium, which help strengthen your teeth.
- Helps prevent bad breath and dry mouth.
- Gum Disease Prevention
When harmful bacteria feed on sugar, it gains enough strength to harm your teeth. However, eating xylitol will eliminate 90% of harmful bacteria. In addition, when bacteria feed on xylitol, it will lose its property to harm your teeth. You can say that xylitol helps in eliminating the core of all problems – harmful bacteria. Since xylitol has nothing that bacteria can thrive on, it eventually dies.
Your mouth is endangered when bacteria react with the sugars and acids from your tooth, altering the pH levels. Xylitol aids in neutralizing the pH levels of the acid and prevents the bacteria from growing. As a result, you get healthy teeth. Therefore, if you are a mouth breather, have a dry mouth, or aging has altered your mouth’s pH level, you can count on the effective xylitol benefits for teeth. Moreover, xylitol prevents white spot lesions and soft tooth enamel by balancing the pH.
Using dental products with xylitol for your teeth can also improve the rate of your salivary flow. Saliva is vital for oral health. Therefore, you must have a high salivary flow rate for your teeth and gums. Adequate salivary flow is known to reduce the risk of gum disease and dental caries. Not only this but saliva also:
But where does xylitol come into the picture? Well, using dental products with xylitol can help increase salivary flow. You can start chewing on xylitol gums and mints. Or using xylitol toothpaste to your benefit. Xylitol gums can help stimulate salivary flow, and you already know why it is good.
Xylitol reduces bacteria growth, which helps in more than one way. Not only does it prevent decay or protect you from bad breath. But the xylitol gum benefits are significant as well. By eliminating bacteria, xylitol reduces the chances of inflammatory gum disease.
Does xylitol remineralize teeth?
Xylitol does not remineralize teeth on its own. But it boosts the remineralization process when working with fluoride.
How much Xylitol should I have?
5 grams of xylitol a day should be sufficient, which means 3 to 5 times per day.
Conclusion
Xylitol for teeth and gums, actually oral health, is exceptionally good. From reducing biofilms to killing harmful bacteria and preventing gum disease – xylitol has it all. Add dental products with xylitol to your routine to enjoy its benefits. For any dental queries, contact Vesna Arezina DDS at 281.469.7469.