
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 1817 reviewsI am very pleased with the mouthwash - non-toxic alternative to normal mouthwash is so refreshing - tastes nice too!

I'm so happy with how my teeth and gums feel now. I wasn't expecting such a change, my gums no longer bleed, they look and feel so much healthier and my teeth feel stronger. Genuinely love these natural products, thank you.

I have had problems with my teeth all through my life with sensitivity I was also allergic to mint so brushing my teeth has been a mammoth task. This toothpaste is amazing no sensitivity and it doesn't make me cough. It's vegan, cruelty free and can be wasted without dumping micro plastics into the already plastic filled world. It tastes great and my teeth feel very clean after use will be using this the rest of my life.

Tried most of the "clean" toothpastes/gels/powders etc, in an attempt to find a product that is not full of synthetics or unwarranted, harmful chemicals and this is the first one that offers effective cleaning and tooth care, combined with decent mouthfeel and flavour.
Whilst it might seem a bit expensive, it really isn't. The jar is lasting alot longer than I imagined and still loads left. I wasn't skimping on the amount for each use either. Great taste. Fresh and zingy.

It was best decision to buy truthpaste

I'm pleased with it. My denist said my hygiene was as good as it could be and I am holding gum disease stable ... but my dentist freaked out when I told him I was using this product and it had no fluoride in it. I couldn't remember the name of the Hydroxyapatite but I'm started to worry if I'm combating my gum disease and leaving myself open to tooth decay instead?
Could I have some reassurance please?

Have been looking around for alternative dental care products and this is the best so far. Fantastic toothpaste, leaving teeth feeling fabulously clean. Floss is definitely best I have tried so far as it does not break so readily as others but mostly it doesn't break at all. Mouthwash is wonderfully refreshing.

All good. Arrives promptly and does the job

Lovely toothpaste, very impressed, shall order again !

This is a great product, it's minty and my teeth feel clean all day. Its a zing in the morning and that feeling never goes away all day . Can be watered down if it's too strong. Definitely will be purchasing this product going forward.

The best toothpaste, left mouth feeling clean and did notice my teeth were looking a lot brighter.

We all converted to truthpaste for the fluoride free aspect.
The charcoal stain removal was very effective, very quickly.
The kids now prefer toothpastes without frothing agents and I believe enjoy the natural ingredients rather than chemicals.
They are a little unhappy that the sweet orange option is no longer available.
All in all, a very good product!

I’ve been using truth paste for 5 months, I have better gum health and my teeth are whiter. My son struggled with fluoride toothpastes it made him feel sick, no problems whatsoever with truthpaste I love the peppermint and wintergreen. Highly recommend 🙂

Great it expands slightly to get into the gaps well. My gums feel healthier.

Comments
Jane Asbury
How much is toothpaste?
September 16, 2021
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