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 1104 reviewsI suffer from gum disease and despite the effort I was putting into my daily dental hygiene routine this was not making a difference.
I liked the idea that there was a more natural alternative available in these products so thought I would give them a go.
Within a few days of use I’ve already noticed a significant difference in how my gums look / feel and as an added bonus these products seem to also reduce staining. Both the toothpaste and mouth wash taste great too.
A complete convert!!
Thank you
I suffer with a lot of neuralgia and toothache issues, I’ve found using this calms my mouth and lessens the pain and it’s all natural
Since I started using Truthpaste I won’t be going back to my old toothpaste! This one tastes fresh, I appreciate the natural ingredients and I can feel it doing me good. So happy I discovered Truthpaste.
Has been accepted and liked and used by sensory avoiding kid. After trying many toothpastes this is a hit. Like that it’s not a subscription and will last a while.
I use this alternatively with the Fennel toothpaste to manage colour as well as continue to heal tooth and gum sensitivity. A great natural product for the teeth.
since using this toothpaste twice a day for 2 weeks solid, my tooth and gum sensitivity has nearly gone, my gums have returned to normal, and their swelling and redness has gone...
The taste is great. Only been using a couple of weeks but my teeth and gums health have definitely improved.
I have used other toothpastes in jars in the past and was not terribly impressed so continued to use SLS-free toothpaste in tubes (recycled by a local Terracycle scheme). When this scheme stopped I needed to investigate using toothpaste in jars once again. Saw this advertised on Facebook and tried it a few weeks ago. I am very happy with the results so far (in combination with a new recyclable electric toothbrush). Teeth feel very clean, gums are not inflamed and mouth feels fresh. Will continue to keep using and will definitely recommend. The only issue I have is splash marks of toothpaste all over the floor in the bathroom. I have reduced the amount I use and try to keep my mouth closed during cleaning but it still happens! Having to clean my floor each day is a fair price to pay for using this great toothpaste!
Very pleased with my order, love both mouthwash and toothpaste.
What a fab discovery.
No more sensitive teeth or inflammed gums.
This stuff is the best! Great consistency that doesn't fall off your brush or slop about making a mess. Nice tingly taste and squeaky clean teeth. The 'wonky' price is even better value, but actually just a little dab is needed for a really good clean so a jar lasts for yonks. I'm a truly happy Truthpaste user. How's that for a tongue twister!
A good brush. Tough but good. The toothpaste is good also. I have been using it every other day to get used to it. It’s soothing on the gums and mouth. The mouth wash makes my mouth feel fresh and nice.
I’m a repeat customer. This toothpaste leaves my teeth feeling clean and my mouth fresh. I love that it’s natural and is in a jar. I travel frequently and haven’t found the jar to be a problem.
I started using my truth paste just over a week ago and have definitely noticed a difference, my gums are not so sore and bleeding as much as before, looking forward to seeing the difference after a few more weeks of use, I’m very hopeful of a vast improvement, great product!
This is such a great toothpaste- just what I have been waiting for. My teeth feel like I'm doing them good with this one and I don't miss the froth at all
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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