Xylitol and Preventing Tooth Decay¶

Are you brushing and flossing properly and still getting cavities? Allow me to introduce you to Xylitol!

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in various plants. Unlike table sugar, cavity causing bacteria cannot use it to cause decay. Numerous studies have shown that consuming 6-10 grams of Xylitol per day reduces the number of S. Mutans (the cavity causing bacteria), thus reducing plaque and cavities. The key is that you need to consume it daily, there are no skipping days. There are different ways to incorporate Xylitol into your daily routine. You can add a teaspoon (4g) to a glass of water, and then have a couple Xylitol mints later in the day. Xylitol gum is another option, as well as MI Paste. I myself am prone to decay so I do put a teaspoon in a glass of water first thing in the morning. I have a couple mints after dinner and then finally use MI paste after brushing my teeth in the evening.

I encourage you to try these methods and share your results. As someone prone to cavities, Xylitol has been indispensable for maintaining my oral health.