The Truth About Xylitol Gum

Chewing gum manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve gum ingredients because a growing number of heath conscious consumers are looking for a product without the health risks of sugar and sugar substitutes found in most gum products today. Xylitol gum claims to be the answer.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol found in fruits and vegetables, which tastes like sugar, but has no aftertaste. It contains a little more than half the calories of sugar and has many health benefits, which includes being the only sweetener that is able to fight tooth decay. One study found that mothers who had recently given birth, who chewed xylitol gum until their child was two years old, had a seventy percent lesser rate of cavities than those who did not. The gum has been found to have plaque reducing ability. It also has the ability to reduce the destructive, acidic environment in the mouth, and starve micro-organisms, which interfere with the mouths ability to remineralize damaged teeth.

Xylitol gum creates a healthy mouth environment that is able to reverse tiny cavities. It also has the ability to prevent ear infections. Chewing and swallowing helps to remove earwax found in the middle ear and unlike other sugars that promote bacteria growth, xylitol prevents its spread in the tubes connecting the nose and ears. Killing the bacteria in these tubes has the added benefit of preventing sinus conditions and earaches. Chewing the gum for just five minutes after each meal every day is enough to stop the growth of harmful bacteria which cause cavities, reducing tooth decay up to sixty two percent.

Studies show that within three to five weeks of regular use, cavity producing bacteria is greatly reduced and after six months it is hard to find. After a few years chewing the gum, bacteria has been eliminated to such a point, that even if chewing the gum was discontinued, it would take several years for the bacteria to repopulate in the mouth. Compared with anti-bacterial rinses, xylitol gum has been found to be much more effective at suppressing bacteria and keeping it under control. Other benefits of chewing xylitol gum is the elimination of bacteria that cause bad breath. Also, the prevention of cavity bacteria transmission from mother to child. Mothers who chewed xylitol gum had children with far fewer cavities than those who did not chew the gum.

Xylitol gum has no side effects in humans. It is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers and children. Xylitol has very little impact on blood sugar, so it is beneficial for diabetics, body builders and individuals who are trying to lose weight. A recent report suggested that it can help control oral infections from candida yeast instead of promoting the infection like sugar does. In the U.S. there are several companies promoting their gum products with xylitol, but not as the main ingredient. In order to benefit for xylitol choose brands that contain xylitol as the number one sweetener. If possible, buy gum products containing xylitol as the sole sweetener.