Xylitol - Does it Really Work?

A Crowning Event

Several years ago I experienced some pain in my lower left molars. I first noticed a slight pain when I ate seedy fruits or nuts. Over the course of a few months the pain gradually increased until I eventually sought out my dentist who fit those molars with crowns. When I left the dentist I had a greater determination to keep my remaining teeth healthy and intact. Not just because of the pain often inflicted at the dentist office, but because I prefer my natural body over anything synthetic.

A few years later I began experiencing the same pain in my lower right molars and new the count-down had begun. I really did not want any more crowns – I wanted to keep my own teeth, but I knew what this pain meant and I saw the writing on the wall. About this time I learned about a substance called Xylitol.

Tastes Like Sugar

I had heard the name in the past but had equated it with a chemical, sugar substitute and had no interest in it. But this time I heard something more about it – I heard it was great for teeth. In fact, the woman sharing this information with me said that it eliminated her son's cavities... My eyes rolled (inwardly, of course), but my interest was piqued. It seemed like an oxymoron. How could a sugar substitute be good for teeth? Ridiculous! Anything that tastes like sugar could not be good for you, right?!

Time for an Experiment

But, the more I learned, the more willing I was to give Xylitol a try. The pain in my teeth was not so bad that I had to schedule a dentist appointment just yet. I had time for an experiment - put it to the test, so to speak. For breakfast I began sprinkling two pieces of toast with cinnamon and Xylitol. I ate this for breakfast every day. After three months I told my husband, "I can't tell for sure, but I think it might be working. But it's too soon to tell."

 After six months of eating xylitol and cinnamon on my toast for breakfast, the pain was entirely gone – even when I ate nuts and seeds. I could not wait to tell the woman who had told me about Xylitol. She celebrated with me and asked how I was taking it. I told her I was eating it on my toast for breakfast every day. She commented that that was so interesting because studies recommended contact with teeth for at least five minutes, three or more times a day. We speculated that I could have had a quicker response if I had eaten it multiple times a day. (How To Use Xylitol | How Much Gum, Toothpaste, Mints, Etc?)

 After my success I redesigned my breakfast habit which did not include Xylitol. Then, a few years later, that same familiar pain made its way back into my lower right molars, and I realized, I had gotten out of the habit of eating Xylitol regularly.

Experiment Number 2

During my next dental cleaning appointment the dentist came in to look over the state of my teeth. He said I could plan on gearing up for crowns for the lower right molars at my next six month visit, and I thought to myself – NO, Thank you! I want to keep my own teeth! I started sprinkling about a half teaspoon of Xylitol on a bowl of fruit for breakfast each morning.  This time I had high hopes for the results I could expect.

Six months later - there was no talk of crowns. In fact, my dental hygienist commented on the hardness of my enamel, saying it was especially strong for my age. When I told her what I had been doing she said with a frown, "Oooh, that's been debunked." She had read an article that said you would have to chew something like 11 pieces of gum multiple times a day to get even the slightest effect. Undaunted by her authoritative, dental hygienist demeanor, I pushed on, championing the benefits of Xylitol (weighted by my own personal experience). I could see through the bright lights and protective gear that she still was not convinced. I reminded myself, this is the same office that gave me my crowns. I took her back in time, reviewing my dental history and reminding her of the dentists prognoses for my molars. Her demeanor softened as she considered my words, and, after a few moments she quipped, "Well, whatever you're doing, it seems to be working." 

It really was incredible. After my second experiment, all pain I had experienced was gone - again! This time around I committed to keeping Xylitol in my daily routine.         

Following Directions

What is Xylitol exactly? Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sourced mainly from corn cobs and birch trees. Do not be misled by the label "sugar alcohol"- it is neither sugar nor alcohol – but a hybrid of both. You may be wondering as I did,  "If Xylitol is so fabulous, why doesn't everyone know about it?" I am still wondering this myself, but I have a few ideas. My first thought is, directions are often lost in translation, meaning, we hear about something, use it, and if we do not receive the expected result immediately, we conclude that the product claims must be fallacious. But consider this, if we utilize something the wrong way or not as directed, we are unlikely to receive the expected results. Research shows that Xylitol use works best when consumed multiple times a day. My theory, that I could have had faster results had I understood this direction, might actually be accurate.  

A Little Background

As for the Chemistry, all you probably really want to know is that sugar alcohols fall into the carbohydrate category.

Xylitol was discovered in 1891 by a German chemist, A. Emil Fischer. It was not until sugar rationing during World War II, however, that Xylitol became a mainstay in many homes in Europe. Since the 1970s thousands of studies have been performed on the various positive effects of Xylitol use. These studies conclude that Xylitol:

• Contains roughly 40% few calories than sugar
• Measures between 7-13 on the glycemic index. (The glycemic index ranks foods from 1 –100 based on their effect on blood sugar levels.)
• The body does not require insulin to metabolize
• Is an alkalizing agent and therefore decreases the acidity in the body
• Reduces tooth decay by preventing harmful bacteria from adhering to teeth
• Helps repair damage to enamel
• Reduces respiratory infections by preventing harmful bacteria from adhering to tissues (if accompanied by ginseng and consumed on a regular basis)
• Supports the immune system against viruses and infections
• May support bone mineral density
• Is anti-inflammatory

Something that tastes like sugar and is good for you will easily become a part of your daily routine!

P.S. I believe you can expect the same outcome from Xylitol made from either birch or corn. Having said this, I prefer to use Xylitol from birch because it never runs the risk of being genetically modified.

Kristi Taylor is a Master Herbalist, Clinical Herbalist and Natural healing Guide®. She endeavors to share her knowledge and passion of natural healing with whomever will listen – because nature’s wisdom never ceases to delight and amaze!

References

Dental Benefits of Xylitol: Less Bacteria, Healthier Teeth.  https://xylitol.org/xylitol-uses/dental-benefits-of-xylitol/

Nayak, P. A., Nayak, U. A., & Khandelwal, V. (2014). The effect of xylitol on dental caries and oral flora. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 6, 89–94. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S55761

Rosenberg, Martha (2022, January 3). A Natural Sweetener May Fight Viruses and Bacteria. The Epoch Times. Https://www.theepochtimes.com/a-natural-sweetener-may-fight-viruses-and-bacteria_4181995.html

Yin, S. Y., Kim, H. J., & Kim, H. J. (2014). Protective effect of dietary xylitol on influenza A virus infection. PLoS One, 9(1), e84633.