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 1378 reviewsI love this toothpaste! My teeth feel so clean after using, and I hate the feeling of mainstream toothpaste now!
both are very good, but the kids toothpaste is on another level. we've had green people mandarin as well and this is just smoother and tastier. used the spatula all of three time before deciding to just plunge the brush in the pot. Got the mouthwash as well. feels good, but a bit strong for me. partner likes it though. funny how black toothpaste makes you realise how much it splatters when you spit!
Very herbal and fresh tasting, but I am only using a tiny bit as it is so strong... For this reason it should last ages.
It helps with sensitivity and definitely cleans better, so I will be ordering more.
A blast of fresh mint and super cleaning feeling.
I’ve been using Truthpaste for a few months now, I can truly say that my teeth feel so much cleaner and whiter, I don’t get any sensitivity using this paste compared to using an off the shelf one! I’ve even got my husband using it. I would throughly recommend switching too Truthpaste it’s a fantastic product you won’t be disappointed!
From the first time I tried this toothpaste, my teeth felt incredibly clean and fresh, almost like I'd just been to the dental hygienist. My husband loves it too. Will definitely be reordering. Customer service is excellent too.
The tooth paste seems great and the service is even better. I wasn't pleased with the brushes and this was resolved instantly.
Super happy with the charcoal. Will be buying more.
Love this toothpaste!
The best I've tried.
Written many reviews!
The first natural toothpaste I’ve used that actually works!
Nice taste and thick so goes a long way
I will never use ordinary toothpaste again, my teeth have never felt so clean and my mouth feels so fresh with none of the nasties in it - so glad I discovered Truthpaste
Excellent products, excellent service I will definitely be buying again! Nice taste and my sensitive teeth are less sensitive.
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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