What is Xylitol and why is it good for teeth?
What is xylitol?
Pronounced “zy-lee-tol” this natural product is anything but bad. In fact it’s probably one of nature's super heroes. Put simply, xylitol is a natural sweetener. Technically speaking, it’s sugar alcohol. Most importantly however, xylitol is a sweetener which won’t significantly up your calorie count and it doesn’t cause tooth decay!
What is Xylitol made from?
It’s extracted from the sap found under bark from the birch tree, but it also occurs naturally in many fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Both humans and animals make tiny amounts of it themselves when we are processing carbohydrates.
Discovered some time in the late 19th Century by German and French chemists. The benefits of xylitol weren’t really discovered and researched until the 1970’s. It became popular in Europe following the second world war when sugar was in short supply. But it was the Turku University in Finland that really unearthed the benefits and sheer brilliance of xylitol in dental hygiene.
At truthpaste we source our xylitol from non-GMO European Birch wood.
Xylitol: a sugar substitute
Apart from being one of our favourite ingredients in truthpaste, you can find xylitol in a range of dental hygiene products like mouthwash and fluoride products. It’s used as a sugar substitute in sweets and chewing gum and can be found in jams, jellies and peanut butters.
Occasionally you may find xylitol used to treat ear infections, although there is no evidence to support this.
Xylitol toothpaste
We’ve already mentioned that xylitol is a sweetener you can use without worrying about tooth decay. It gets so much better than that though!
Xylitol has undergone extensive research which highlights its benefits in oral hygiene. Not only does it fight bacteria that cause gum disease and plaque acids, studies have shown that it actively increases the production of the immune system proteins so that bacteria can’t form in the first instance.
Xylitol has also been proven to significantly reduce the amount of streptococcus mutans, the bacteria largely responsible for plaque forming
In fact there are nearly 25 years worth of studies to prove the benefits of xylitol. Approved by both the Food and Agricultural Organisation and the World Health Organisation, it was a natural choice for an ingredient in Truthpaste.
Xylitol and dogs
We often get asked if Truthpaste is safe for dogs. The answer is always a very firm “no”. Whilst essential oils are often harmful to animals, generally speaking, xylitol - even in small amounts - can cause hypoglycaemia in dogs. Just part of the reason that we never test on animals.
Is xylitol safe?
The good news is that xylitol is safe for people, a good sugar substitute for those with diabetes and great for weight loss. As with all natural products, moderation is key. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
But truthfully..
We love xylitol here at Truthpaste and it can be found in our Original and Charcoal ranges, as well as helping to provide the sweet and delicious flavours of Truthpaste Kids that is proving popular amongst both adults and children alike!
Let customers speak for us
from 2130 reviewsI like this toothpaste but it is quite strong
I am loving this easy to use tastes great. It doesn’t froth in the mouth or need to rinse it just leaves a wonderful clean fresh feeling. The floss is easy to use and doesn’t get caught up or wedged like others. The mouth wash has a real zing to it you can feel it working and refreshing your mouth between brushing.
I have been using the mask for over a week now and I can definitely feel the sensitivity on my teeth has reduced. I need to see how it is in a few months but so far I am pleased.
A tooth paste that does exactly what it claims, my teeth feel so much healthier.
Brought for my son his never going back to a normal toothpaste again he likes the fresh minty taste
I really love the toothpaste. Very happy with it thank you.
It’s comforting knowing when my son inevitably swallows most of the toothpaste in his mouth, it’s natural and doesn’t contain nasty chemicals. He also enjoys the taste and the last natural toothpaste we had he would clamp his mouth shut, so we are very pleased with this product
Pleasantly surprised by this toothpaste, ive had some really bad tasting flouride free toothpastes so I had very low expectations. But ive enjoyed this one thoroughly, we also got the kids mild mint for my son and he can’t get enough. Really pleased we’ve found truth paste, love that it’s not in plastic too!
It has the tart, aromatic taste of normal toothpaste that promises to therefore be good for your teeth. Not being able to guarantee I will always clean twice a day, I find that my teeth have become stronger in their roots, they may have even self repaired in places and they're cleaner than they've ever been.
If more than one household member is using it, there needs to be a little spoon to neatly take some each time ("toothbrush marks" in the paste can be a little off-putting) It would be nice if the jar came with something small and biodegradable like that
These interdental brushes are very well designed for the job they have to do.
Also good to feel one is not adding to all the plastic that is out there.
Thank you.
My teeth and gums still feel great
I was recommended this toothpaste to try as more natural alternative to the commercial brands after complaining about reactions from the chemical formula used in these brands. Although I have only used them for a couple of weeks I am more than satisfied with the results, there has been no painful reaction from the product, my gums feel firmer and I believe it may also help with my sensitive digestive system. I will continue using this product and observe if it continues to work.
I love the way a small amount of this goes a long way. I also love the way it forms a true paste that feels like it is cleaning and coating and feeding my teeth & gums.
I have only been using the tooth powder for a few weeks and I can't really see a noticeable difference but I love the way the product feels and my teeth do "feel" better.
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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