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 2030 reviewsI purchased a bundle of truthpaste, mouthwash and dental floss.. I love how clean and fresh my mouth feel.. Definitely will continue buying. The dental floss works so much better than usual floss, no slipping or sore gums just does a really deep clean… Love these products..
To be here, you must have withdrawn from the idea, or at least been convinced, that fluoridated toothpaste bears a greater risk than reward to your overall health. Truthpaste is the best alternative option you can decide upon. All the rivals have a base oil which leaks from the jar and leaves a hard, crumbly, dry substance which has to be manually and continually remixed with water to be in any way shape of form useable. Truthpaste remains steadfast in its consistency throughout use and requires little intervention, in comparison to others. Also, continual use of other brands in this category of hydroxyapatite toothpastes leads to a build-up of a grey, gritty unwashable substance which ultimately leads to your electric toothbrush becoming clogged, Truthpaste is easily washed from all toothbrush types, making toothbrush maintenance a breeze. The short of it is just buy this brand of alternative hydroxyapatite toothpastes and you'll be satisfied.
Ps. Please make a kids version!
Enjoying using it and feeling the benefits. Will never go back to other brands
Have used both the truthpastes and love both of them, I now have my daughter partner and granddaughter using it, have searched and tried many non fluoride toothpastes before, this is the one I will be it using going forward for sure, thanks for making it I say!
Takes a little getting used to… but mouth feels clean and fresh. I’m happy using an ethical product that comes in packaging which can be recycled. Good stuff!
Thanks for a swift and pleasant transaction.
This is my second jar & I'm really enjoying using this toothpaste.
The occasional sensitivity I used to suffer from is totally gone.
Both my dentist and hygienist have commented on the difference they've noticed - that's a defite ringing endorsement for me.
This is the best stuff around! I love that it’s ethical, and works so well. If you try it you’ll not be disappointed
Really noticed a difference in teeth and gum health since using hydroxyapatite toothpaste no more sensitive teeth or bleeding gums even dentist said my teeth look good and I have had alot of problems with my teeth will not use anything else now
I have used the entire range on offer and find the products really good. My sensitive teeth has reduced a lot but occasionally get bouts. I then use the fluoride mouthwash for a few days which helps.
Love the toothpaste has helped my bleeding gums, dont like having to keep cleaning my sink when i spit out the toothpaste, does not wash away very well.
Fabulous all round. Great, clean ingredients, full transparency on product contents and quantity. Great packaging, feels like a proper clean every time. Also using the enamel repair powder, so i feel i am doing my best for my teeth.
This is a great product, tastes and smells great, coats and cleans the teeth a lot better than regular toothpaste and so glad I made the switch
I love these little tins of Truthpaste. They're ideal for travel and recyclable. No more plastic tubes!
Leaves your mouth feeling very fresh great mint taste & only need a small amount 😁
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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