Xylitol is recommended by the American Dental Association to help fight the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring carbohydrate extracted from plants, that looks and tastes just like regular table sugar and has been used in foods since the 1960’s. Xylitol does not promote the development of dental caries (cavities) and in fact helps in the reduction of plaque forming bacteria. Unlike sugar and refined carbohydrates that feed and grow the bad bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis, Xylitol starves them to death.
The Benefits of Xylitol
• Reduces plaque forming bacteria and debris
• Reduces the ability of plaque to adhere to teeth
• Xylitol stimulates the production of saliva; helps to control dental plaque and mutans streptococci (bacteria that cause tooth decay)
• Re-mineralization of tooth enamel
The Benefits of Xylitol in Children – Under Age 12:
• Studies have shown xylitol blocks the transmission of mutans streptococci (bacteria that causes tooth decay) from mother to child
The Benefits for Older Adults
• Holds and keeps the aging related salivary bacteria at a steady level
• Relieves dry mouth caused by medications that reduce of saliva production
Is it safe for Pets? WARNING!
WARNING! Xylitol is NOT safe for animals. Do not feed your pets Xylitol, it is not digested in the same manner for them as for humans and can result, in some extreme cases, in death. *Hager Corporation Data. 2012