Natural Dental Care | Xylitol | Natural Toothpaste

Xylitol

As part of an oral health program, xylitol may help create an unfriendly environment for harmful bacteria and may improve overall oral health.

Xylitol looks and tastes like table sugar, but it’s a natural, low-calorie, low-carb substitute (40% fewer calories than sugar). Xylitol can replace sugar in most recipes and is heat stable. It does not promote tooth decay.

Xylitol can be substituted for table sugar and other sweeteners without compromising taste or texture. It may take a few days for the body to become accustomed to digesting xylitol; until that time it is recommended that xylitol be gradually introduced into the diet over a period of a few weeks.

Xylitol can be used to sweeten foods and beverages or in cooking and baking. Because xylitol does not ferment or crystallize, it cannot be used to replace table sugar in some bread and candy recipes.

Unlike sugar, xylitol can be left on the teeth overnight. To obtain the maximum dental benefits of xylitol, use 4–12 grams each day.

Xylitol's remarkable properties stem from its unique molecular structure. Most sugar-like molecules have a six-carbon “hexose” unit. Xylitol is a five-carbon “pentitol” sugar.

Because of its distinctive arrangement of atoms, bacteria cannot utilize it for energy. This chemical structure inhibits the ability of our bodies to fully metabolize it as well.

For this reason, xylitol has a limited effect on blood sugar levels and is safe for diabetics, hypoglycemics, children and pregnant women. Its low glycemic index of 7 makes it a terrific solution for carb-counters as well as those trying to lose weight.

Other Dental Help

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and silica powder act as mild abrasives to clean and polish teeth, leaving them smooth and clean.

Bentonite clay can also be used for cleaning the teeth.

Herbal essential oils such as clove oil, spearmint, cinnamon and anise are antiseptic and leave your mouth feeling fresh.