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 1923 reviewsI came across this product on Instagram a few months ago and decided to give it a try as others on the market appear to be full of chemicals and always left a strange bitter aftertaste, I have to say this product did not dissapppoint! My gums feel healthier my mouth feels fresh after use and no aftertaste other than the fresh minty taste, I also love the small metal cup it comes with and a big plus is that this company is eco friendly. Definately my go to for the future.
Been using the toothpaste for a couple of months now, just gets the job done, love that they are not in a tube, just brought the new orange one, and the mouthwash, also the tooth enamel repair, love the little cup to rinse with, all I can’t fault any of it!
After numerous whitening treatments, I felt my teeth weren’t looking any brighter, only more transparent if anything, and the sensitivity was so bad!! I thought I’d try truthpaste for a bit as I was interested in the enamel rebuilding properties and that it reduces sensitivity. After using this for about a month, i’ve noticed my teeth are brighter, more opaque, even a couple of little lines/stains have disappeared! I haven’t tried whitening again yet so I don’t know if it’s helped with the sensitivity, but tbh I don’t feel I need to as this toothpaste has made my teeth so much healthier looking!! Teeth also feel amazingly clean and smooth.. only downside is I thought you’d get a spatula in the box like it shows in the photos but you dont do it can get a bit messy with the kids all dipping in lol but otherwise I’m a massive fan and I’m ordering my second jar now 🥰
I have just finished my first pot of charcoal truthpaste after switching from the original flavour. I can definitely see an improvement in the whiteness of my teeth. Will stay with the charcoal one now.
Truthpaste is not only the best organic toothpaste I've tried, but the best toothpaste for cleaning quality and gum health that I have ever had. Simple to order direct, great price and a fast delivery.
I really like Truthpaste and will give using it. It really does seem to make an appreciable difference. I do wish it came in a tube rather than a jar though.
I love this paste even after a few months my dentist noticed a change in my teeth commented on the enamel and colour, so I am very happy with the product just bout my 2nd just which last for months
Best toothpaste I've tried in a long time
Great service and really refreshing
After using the Trupaste thought that I'd give the mask a go - have been using it for about 2 weeks now and can say that it is doing a great job - my teeth feel smoother and less sensitive!
Happy with the de-sensitising effect after a few weeks use, not quite sure what effect the mask product is having as yet though.
It takes a little time and perseverance to get used to using a paste from a jar with a spatular but the product itself is doing its job just as well as products from a tube. I can see the jar will last a long time which outways the initial cost. The biggy for me is to find a toothpaste that is not using plastic! I will continue to buy this product.
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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