What is Xylitol?

In the quest for fresh breath, reduced tooth decay, and relieved dry mouth, we opted for the use of Xylitol in our dental supplements. But what exactly is Xylitol, and what are the benefits of it? 

What is Xylitol?

A naturally occurring sugar alcohol, Xylitol is found in many fruits and vegetables. Chemically, it is classified as a sugar alcohol (or polyol), which gives it a sweet taste similar to sugar but with fewer calories, and less damage to the oral microbiome. As Xylitol is extracted from sources such as corn cobs or birch wood, it’s also an eco-friendly and renewable alternative to sugar. 

The Benefits of Xylitol

Xylitol isn't just any sweetener; it comes with a range of health benefits that set it apart from traditional sugars and artificial sweeteners.

Improved dental health

The most significant advantage of xylitol is its contribution to oral health. Here’s how it works:

• Reduces Tooth Decay: Xylitol is non-fermentable by oral bacteria. Unlike regular sugar, which bacteria can metabolise, xylitol doesn't break down into acids that cause tooth decay. It helps maintain a neutral pH level in the mouth, which is crucial for preventing cavities and having healthy teeth. 
• Inhibits Bacterial Growth: Xylitol interferes with the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for cavities. By reducing the number of these bacteria, xylitol helps decrease the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Stimulates Saliva Production: Chewing xylitol-containing mints increases saliva flow. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids, repairing enamel, and washing away food particles and bacteria. Increased saliva flow not only enhances oral health and freshens breath, but it’s a huge reliever of dry mouth, so whether you have dry mouth caused by age, smoking, or even cancer, our mints are great for daily relief. 

There aren’t many breath mints out there that freshen your breath AND look after your teeth, which is just one of the reasons why Dr. Heff’s dental supplements are the remarkable choice. 

Lower calorific value

Xylitol contains approximately 40% fewer calories than regular sugar, making it an excellent alternative for those watching their caloric intake. And with our recommended intake of 5 mints per day, you don’t have to worry about the calories adding up throughout the day. 

Doesn’t increase blood sugar levels

Since xylitol has a low glycemic index, it does not cause significant spikes in blood sugar or insulin levels. This makes it a safer sweetening option and means our breath mints are perfect for people with diabetes.

Why is Xylitol Used in our mints? 

When we created our breath mints, we wanted them to not only be used as an everyday breath freshener, but also a dental supplement that maintains the oral health of every customer. As dentists this is, of course, something that we’re hugely passionate about, and our choice to include Xylitol in our mints was an easy one thanks to the benefits listed. 

From reducing tooth decay to promoting overall oral health, xylitol is more than just a sweet addition; it’s a proactive step towards a healthier smile.

It’s easy to add our sugar-free Xylitol mints into your routine, just buy yourself a pack here. And even better, our subscription offer saves you money and makes sure you’re topped up every 30 days.