You have no doubt heard the expression “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It suggests that preventing the problem before it occurs is far more effective than trying to treat the problem once it gets out of control. Good advice, but what does that have to do with the health of your teeth? Much like taking care of our health in general, prevention is the most effective method when it comes to dental hygiene—and that’s where xylitol comes in.
Nowadays we come across xylitol typically as a sweetener in chewing gum and mints, but it was first introduced as a sugar alternative for people with diabetes (since it doesn’t alter blood sugar or insulin levels). Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived mainly from plants, although our bodies also produce a certain amount of xylitol.
Over the years, as research has emerged emphasizing its many health benefits, experts have come to know “tooth-friendly” xylitol as a key player in promoting dental health. In many studies it has proven more effective than fluoride at reducing cavities, preventing plaque buildup, and creating a healthy oral environment. Xylitol has also been shown to enhance the remineralization of teeth and help repair damaged enamel. Talk about a dental health powerhouse!
Here’s the thing: your mouth is chock full of bacteria—which of course includes the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and cavities. As it turns out, those microorganisms love sugar; they use it as fuel so they can grow and multiply. The remarkable thing about xylitol is that harmful bacteria can’t digest it, which means they can’t use it to flourish and cause damage to healthy teeth. Xylitol actually prevents the harmful bacteria from communicating with one another, as a result supporting a balanced pH environment in the mouth and setting the stage for optimal dental health.
The classics of brushing and flossing are greatly enhanced when xylitol is added to the equation! Because sugar and processed food consumption are at an all-time high, these old standby tools are more important than ever! Not to mention that a growing number of people who prefer fluoride alternatives has prompted some people to look for alternatives to traditional fluoride-based dental products.
And that brings us back to prevention.
Knowing what we do about the benefits of xylitol, it’s no wonder we’re hearing more and more buzz about it in terms of oral health. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, adding xylitol to your dental hygiene routine may tip the scales in favor of fewer cavities and healthier teeth—and who doesn’t want that?
Now that you know about all the good stuff xylitol can do, why not consider making the switch? Dr. Ginger’s Coconut Toothpaste and Mouthwash combine the cavity-fighting benefits of xylitol plus the unique cleaning and detoxifying power of coconut oil to put the power of prevention at your fingertips. They’re also fluoride-free and feature our refreshing coconut-mint flavor that the whole family will love.
