Xylitol Toothpaste Tablets: Are They Right For You?
For years, xylitol has been used as a sweetener for mints, sugar-free candies and chewing gums, baked goods, and many other products.
Now, xylitol is used in oral products to aid in reducing bacteria and minimizing the risk of tooth decay.
Think of it as your oral microbiome's best friend!
Let's dive more into the properties of xylitol and how it helps in the efficacy of toothpaste tablets.
Understanding Xylitol
Xylitol is an all-natural sugar alcohol derived from plants, veggies, and fruits.
Since the FDA approved using xylitol in 1963, it is now commonly used as an alternative to sugar because of its sweet taste and dental benefits.
Dental researchers have extensively studied how we can best utilize this substance.
Recently, there has been a rise in health-conscious people only eating and using products derived from natural sources.
With studies showing its adequate dental protection, more and more people are switching to products with xylitol as an alternative.
How Does Xylitol Help?
Studies have shown that organically derived xylitol is just as effective for preventing cavities in children and lowering the amount of cavity-causing bacteria inside the mouth.
In fact, some researchers say that xylitol can decrease up to 13% of cavities when contrasted side by side with the use of fluoride toothpaste.
When combined with the right ingredients, xylitol could be a powerful aid in strengthening teeth and improving oral health.
Dental Protection
Xylitol helps in the prevention of the teeth's cavity formation process. Cavity-causing bacteria love interacting with sugars that cause tooth decay.
Reduces Plaque Buildup
Since xylitol is a natural sugar, it cannot interact with bacteria, minimizing the growth of harmful bacteria.
With a lower bacterial population, the teeth become more durable and healthier.
Prevents Cavities
It can also stop newly-formed cavities from progressing to become full-blown cavity that needs dental fillings.
In fact, xylitol in dentifrices is 27% more effective in reducing caries than sorbitol.
Using toothpaste with xylitol could reduce the risk of caries lesions and other oral diseases.
Inhibits Bad Breath
Xylitol can prevent bad breath by neutralizing oral pH levels and promoting saliva production, washing away odor-causing bacteria.
Avoids Dry Mouth
Increasing saliva production is one of the essential benefits of xylitol.
There are many potential causes of dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Oftentimes, it can occur due to dehydration, but it can also happen due to underlying medical issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants
- Radiotherapy
- Blocked nose
With the help of xylitol, the glands could produce more saliva and promote remineralization while washing away harmful bacteria.
Natural Sugar
It is common knowledge that sugar consumption is one of the leading causes of tooth decay. There's sugar in almost everything we consume daily.
Xylitol is plant-based, which makes it perfect for those who have sensitivities to sweeteners derived artificially. It has half the calorie per gram of table sugars, making it an ideal substitute for table sugar.
No Blood Sugar Spikes
Extensive studies have shown that xylitol has no fructose content and virtually no effect on a person's insulin and blood sugar levels.
With xylitol, you don't have to worry about accidentally ingesting small amounts of this natural sweet herb.
Appealing to Children
The sweet taste of xylitol in toothpaste makes it appealing to children.
If the kids aren't fond of the "spicy" toothpaste taste, xylitol toothpaste is worth the try.
Toothpaste tablets are already pre-dosed and adequately sized for one use, making them safer for kids.
Side Effects of Xylitol
When used as a dental product, xylitol poses no lethal harm to humans.
Xylitol in dental cleaning products is not meant to be ingested and is not recommended for large consumption.
Here are some of the most common side effects encountered when eating xylitol:
Digestive Issues
Xylitol is digested slowly in the large intestine, which may result in occasional side effects.
In large consumption, xylitol may cause soft stools or serve as a laxative.
It's rare, but it can also result in stomach cramps, bloating, or gas.
Toxic to Dogs
Xylitol is highly poisonous to our little furry pets.
If ever your pet ingests xylitol, whether as a sweetener or as a dentifrice, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.
What Ingredients Should be Used with Xylitol in Toothpaste Tablets?
Xylitol is wonderful in bacteria removal and cavity prevention but isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
It should be paired with the right ingredients to perform even better in maintaining the best oral hygiene.
What are some of these ingredients?
- Nano-Hydroxyapatite - A biocompatible and safe alternative to fluoride that helps remineralize the teeth, removes cavities, and lessens teeth sensitivity.
- Baking Soda - An abrasive that isn't harsh on teeth but can remove plaque buildup and help neutralize acids.
- Licorice Root - Keeping the gums healthy and clean and preventing oral diseases such as periodontitis and sores.
Not all toothpaste tablets contain these three powerful ingredients. Thankfully, NOBS toothpaste tablets have all these and more.
Key Takeaway: Should You Use Toothpaste Tablets with Xylitol?
Absolutely, yes!
Xylitol isn't just a simple sweetener; it also exhibits antimicrobial properties that help strengthen teeth and reduce the chance of tooth decay.
Xylitol should work hand-in-hand with other ingredients that keep the teeth strong and healthy.
Although toothpaste tablets are still relatively new to the oral products market, the benefits of toothpaste tablets are more than enough to give it a try.
Toothpaste tablets are sustainable alternatives to commercially available toothpaste. They're eco-friendly and deliver the same results as toothpaste, probably even better. They're also suitable for travel and are undeniably easy to use.
People from different groups of society, such as children, pregnant women, and older people who are especially prone to cavities, will benefit from using xylitol in toothpaste tablets.
Try NOBS toothpaste tablets with xylitol and other natural ingredients now.