Medical health professionals often recommend people to use chewing gum with xylitol. Do you know why you need xylitol in your chewing gum? This article will explain this to you. Xylitol has emerged as a great sweetener to use instead of sugar. It is a low-calorie sweetener [1]. It is extracted from fruits and vegetables. The use of xylitol in chewing gums, and dental hygiene products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes is increasing. This article will highlight the importance of having xylitol in your chewing gum and the benefits it can bring to you.
| 7 Reasons why you need Xylitol in your Chewing Gum | Sources of Xylitol | Final Words | References |
7 Reasons why you need Xylitol in your Chewing Gum
Prevents Dental Caries
Xylitol is a great substitute for synthetic sweeteners in regular chewing gums that contribute to dental caries. Regular chewing gums contain 6-carbon sugars, while xylitol has a 5-carbon sugar. Bacteria present in the oral cavity cannot ferment 5-carbon sugars.
With the use of Xylitol, the growth of bacteria can be prevented. This in turn prevents the formation of plaque, the leading cause of dental caries.
Kills Oral Bacteria
Moreover, xylitol is an effective killer of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus Sanguis. They are mainly responsible for the building up of plaque. Ultimately it will improve your oral hygiene.
Prevents Weight Gain
Regular chewing gums contain sugars like sucrose or glucose. They are usually high in calories. On the contrary, xylitol-containing chewing gums contain fewer calories and it has a low glycemic index. It can prevent you from excessive weight gain, and sudden spikes in blood glucose levels. It will not cause a spike in blood glucose levels, hence it is a safe choice for you if you are diabetic.
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Xylitol along with being a low-calorie sweetener, is an anti-inflammatory agent [2]. It can kill certain undesirable oral bacteria. It can help to treat or prevent certain inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity. Angular cheilitis, which affects the corners of the mouth, can be prevented with xylitol gums. Hence xylitol is an essential part of your chewing gums.
Soothes Xerostomia
Xylitol-containing chewing gums help to increase the activity of the salivary gland. More saliva is produced, and you can get more benefits from it. Saliva has numerous health benefits such as strengthening the teeth, reducing the acidic content of the oral cavity, and formation of food bolus.
Saliva prevents the symptoms of Xerostomia or dry mouth [3]. It makes swallowing easier for you and reduces painful swallowing. Saliva contains calcium and phosphorus, with a carbonic acid system that creates an alkaline environment. This alkaline environment is unfavourable for the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity.
Convenient Oral Hygiene Practice
Xylitol chewing gums are the easiest way to take care of your oral health. Most people find it difficult to brush their teeth after every meal or use mouthwashes. If food particles stay in the mouth, plaque can form on the tooth surface. It causes gradual loss of minerals from the tooth enamel and dentin.
You can keep this little product in your pocket, and chew it after you consume something sweet. If you have xylitol gum, you don’t need to worry about brushing your teeth after every meal. Moreover, chewing gums can help maintain the pH of the oral cavity after consuming acidic beverages such as tea, coffee, and lemonade. Coffee causes a decline in pH that can be restored by taking xylitol-containing chewing gum.
Remineralization of Enamel
Apart from preventing dental caries, xylitol contains gums containing fluoride. Fluoride is an essential mineral for oral health. Fluoride helps to restore the demineralization of teeth by forming a complex compound, fluorapatite. Flouroapatie is resistant to dental decay, and it gets deposited in the tooth enamel. It will help to alleviate pits and fissures in the teeth.
Reduction of Ear Infections
Another amazing benefit of chewing xylitol gum for children is the reduction of the risk of ear infections as proven by research [4]. Whether you take xylitol as chewing gum, a part of syrup, or lozenges, it will minimize the risk of ear infection. However, chewing xylitol gum will not be a cure for ear infections, it can only be a preventive measure.
This is why you need Xylitol in your Chewing Gum
You not only need xylitol in your chewing, but also you need this sweetener without the combination with another sweetener. Xylitol should be added purely. Therefore, you should also stay aware of the percentage of Xylitol present in chewing gum. Now let’s find out where this Xylitol, the natural sweetener, comes from.
Sources of Xylitol
Xylitol can be mainly derived from two different sources. It can be extracted from fruits like berries, or it can be synthesized chemically. In the industries, xylose is used to manufacture xylitol. This xylitol is used in oral products like chewing gums, the bakery industry, and the manufacture of chocolates.
You can also find sources of xylitol from trees, oats, and corn husks. Another source of xylitol is the hydrogenation of xylan. Xylan is a fibre that comes from the cell walls of plant cells. Thus xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that sweetens your gum without the negative implications.
Final Words
Xylitol chewing gums can be a game changer for you to improve your oral hygiene. It offers numerous health benefits and is a great substitute for regular sugar-containing chewing gums. It does not imply that you will stop brushing your teeth and stick to using xylitol gum every day. You have to take good care of your dental hygiene and use xylitol gum as a part of your oral hygiene practices.
References
[1] Overconsumption of sugars has negative health impact – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8057368/
[2] Anti-inflammatory agents block certain substances in the body that cause inflammation – https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/anti-inflammatory-agent
[3] Xerostomia is associated with an increased incidence of dental caries – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8912296/
[4] Xylitol can reduce the adherence of Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenza – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8485974/