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 2177 reviewsExcellent natural product for maintaining healthy teeth.
Fabulous mouthwash, exactly the same as the non-wonky version. I love it!
After having teeth sensitivity and using higher strength fluoride I thought Truthpaste was worth a trial and so far so good! I like the feel and finish and freshness it leaves, and after 2 weeks it’s too early to see if sensitivity is that much better but here’s hoping!
Delighted to discover truthpaste a UK/ European toothpaste in an environment dominated by global American brands. No plastic and a delightful refreshing taste that cleans my teeth well without all the uneccessary foam of traditional pastes.
I got this as a gift for a friend who’s been making her own toothpaste, she loves it she said that her teeth feel really clean,
Lovely minty taste, as good as the large jar and absolutely perfect for a week of travelling 😋 love that i can refill my tin after from the large jar 👏
Wow ! This packs flavour, I can taste aniseed and clove mainly and it really packs a punch ! Not froth when brushing just a ridiculously clean feeling mouth . It has calmed my gum disease down in literally 3 days ! I cant believe how quickly I have had a change in oral health with Truthpaste and the mouthwash combination! 10/10
After a trip to A&E 4 different dentists and 3 rounds of 2 different antibiotics for a gum infection, I tried this and it reduced all the swelling and nursed my gum along with the fennel toothpaste, I am absolutely blown away with the results.and anyone having dental issues needs to add this to their bathroom cabinet it really is amazing !
Simply the best mouthwash out there!
Quality products using natural ingredients.
First of all I want to say I'm so grateful that there are companies out there like Truthpaste that are trying to create healthier ways to interact with the world. Not being dependent on chemicals and artificial sweeteners to brush our teeth (or live our lives) is something that is important to me. I have been using Truthpaste for maybe 3 weeks now and so far, so good. It seems to be doing the job my fluoride toothpaste was doing and yet I get the satisfaction of knowing that the ingredients are natural. And the fact it comes in a glass jar rather than a plastic tube is another plus. Thank you Truthpaste I will be buying more, and next time I will be trying out your mouthwash too. Joe
' good texture/consistency. ' pleasant taste. I like the glass jar. ' hope it will improve my gums in time.
I love this toothpaste! I suffer with bleeding gums and this toothpaste stops it. It also makes my mouth feel clean I really like it and this is all I will use now. A jar lasts months as you only need a small amount. So great recipe and great value for money. Well done truthpaste ❤️
Excellent natural products that I use for my daily hygiene routine. I highly recommend this eco friendly company.
Good quality paste, teeth feel clean. To early to say if it makes a significant overall difference to the enamel.
Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
Leave a comment