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 2062 reviewsStrong taste but I feel it’s really doing the job. Thanks x
I was so happy when I came across this brand that are plastic free, non toxic and do a hydroxyapetite toothpaste!! Out of the Truthpaste flavours, this one and the fennel are my fave. They clean my teeth brilliantly. Yes they’re more expensive than your average toothpaste but the credentials of this brand are worth it. Hopefully will see them stocked on shelves in shops in the near future!!
Great product so far, its only been a few days so time will tell.
Truth paste is my got to brand now.
Does everything I need it to. I feel my teeth and gums are getting what they need. Worth it!
It's wonderful and awesome. Cleans really well and keeps your mouth clean for longer hours than regular paste. It's wondersome!
Received a sample pot with my last order. Same great attributes as it's peppermint cousin but the citrus flavour made it really different. It seemed really odd for a toothpaste not to have a peppermint flavour but odd doesn't mean bad. The citrus flavour seemed more gentle, even indulgent. Begs the question - should it have a matching citrus flavour mouthwash???
Very happy to see the launch of this flavour both of us thought it was a really nice
I will definitely be ordering this product together with the citrus & fennel charcoal flavour both all really nice
I really like the minty hydroxyapatite version, but this one is preferred by my children and also its just nice for a flavour change. Ongoing I think I will buy both.
I tried this as a sample and really liked the taste, will definitely order in a jar, plus it is helping my sensitive teeth and improving my overall health of teeth
So, like other posters, a small sample of the citrus truthpaste was included in my main order.
Loved the no foam, as I believe foam equals chemicals.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the taste, but I did, so the prospect of a normal sized version is welcome.
I have used non fluoride tooth care for some years, I purchased mine at reasonable cost at Asian stores.
However this was my very first experience of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Right from the initial tooth cleaning ritual, I could feel the difference.
I actually felt like I had that clean result after a hygienist session.
I actually wanted to smile, instead of bringing my hand to my lips when chuckling 🤭 👎/😁👍
I am aware that this trurhpaste isn’t cheap to buy,
BUT….
not much product is needed compared to conventional toothpastes.
I also thought it was more hygienic to NOT put the toothbrush head into the tin of paste, instead choosing to use a very small spatula to take half a pea sized amount (it’s quite a thick texture) to place it with directly onto my teeth, or onto the toothbrush.
Then before turning my electric toothbrush on, I spread the paste across all surfaces of my teeth, then I turn the brush on to proceed brushing each section, in turn.
That way, I feel all of my teeth get an equal distribution of the paste.
I think I kinda treat the truthpaste as a precious recipe to be treated with respect, hope that doesn’t sound daft 🤪
I am an older adult, and I use my teeth cleaning time to simultaneously perform my squats, and I count my squats on each section of teeth cleaning, so my legs get toned and strong at the same time.
So I exit the bathroom with squeaky clean teeth, fresh mouth, and stringer legs each time.
I hope my review is useful, as I although I do leave reviews/feedback, it’s not usually as detailed and enthusiastic as this one.
THANK YOU Truthpaste for providing a thick tasty zingy paste that I enjoy and can see and feel the difference with.
I got a free sample of the orange Truthpaste with a larger order recently. I like it, nice change from mint. I slightly prefer the charcoal, orange and fennel but I don't think it has the hydroxyapatite - you'd need to check that (sorry!) The little tins are great for travel too.
One word it is the truth I’ve tried other proclaimed organic fluoride free toothpaste a this one beats them hands down. It has eased recurring symptoms and issues I had with my mouth. Thank you so much x
Too early to mention about its benefits to my teeth. But, I really like it. Easy to use, great taste and my teeth feel very clean afterwards.
Ultra FA-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. A wonderful fresh feeling and taste in the mouth. Teeth
look gleaming after use. Thank you Truthpaste.
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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