So Summertime is nearing you know you are going to want to sweeten those ice teas How about a healthy sweetener? Even better when the sweetener fights cavities!
Xylitol Basics
- Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in most plant material, including many fruits and vegetables. It can also be extracted from birch wood to make medicine.
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Xylitol is widely used as a sugar substitute and in “sugar-free” chewing gums, mints, and other candies. However, sorbitol is the most commonly used sweetener in sugarless gums because it is less expensive than Xylitol and easier to make into commercial products.
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As a medicine, Xylitol is used to prevent middle ear infections (otitis media) in young children, and as a sugar substitute for people with diabetes.
- Xylitol is added to some chewing gums and other oral care products to prevent tooth decay and dry mouth.
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Xylitol is sometimes included in tube feeding formulas as a source of energy.
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Dog owners should know that Xylitol can be toxic to dogs, even when the relatively small amounts from candies are eaten.
How does it work?
Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections.
Use immediately after eating or snacking. If Xylitol is the only sugar remaining in the mouth, most bacteria cannot metabolize it and will not be able to make the acids or biofilm that can attack teeth. Between meals, replace ordinary chewing gum or breath mints with Xylitol candies available at pharmacies or health food stores.
You can find Xylitol on my the website. Give it a try.