
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 1858 reviewsI've been using it for some time and I love it!
I also bought the travel size, and it's really good for short trips.

Lovely fresh taste and really makes your mouth feel clean. Really like this toothpaste. Makes teeth feel clean afterwards and the jar seems to last ages. I’ve only just started my second jar. So great valve for money too

Lovely fresh taste and really makes your mouth feel clean.

Ooooh this is a fantastic product! After the first use I noticed a difference in the sensitivity. It feels odd brushing something on your teeth and not rinsing but it’s definitely worth it and you do get used to it.
I definitely recommend this great product, and of course, it’s planet friendly and sustainable. What could be better!

I’ve used the toothpaste and hydroxyapatite toothpaste before so I was keen to try the new Enamel Repair Mask. I’ve only been using it for a few days but if it’s like the other products the results will be excellent. I have a lot less sensitivity and no more bleeding gums. Love the mouthwash too.

I use everyrhing because it’s all good and ethically and sustainably great the best part is that it’s natural and everyrhing works better than anything else I’ve tried before.. sticking with this brand !

I’ve been using the mouthwash for a few months now and it’s good stuff 👍 strong and feels like it works. It’s good to know it has friendly bacteria and all natural ingredients

I've been using this for about a week and my sensitivity has improved a lot. My teeth appear whiter too. Would recommend.

I started using this and within hours, could feel my teeth were becoming harder, almost a tightening feeling. I have structural issues with my teeth, because of lifelong sleep grinding, so am hoping this will help with the cracks, over time. I am delighted to have found this and Truthpaste's other flouride free products, and feel my use of these products is a move in the right direction.

I just started using the enamel repair powder. I think it’s a good product to use. Great ingredients. bit weird sensation at first but then it’s actually fine to leave in at night and doesn’t bother me. I’m looking forward to using daily to feel the benefits I really want it to repair my teeth :) I read more reviews so might start using it twice a day. Hope I’m using it right could do with more explanation tbh so I know I’m using it correctly. So pleased this is on the market was looking for this for ages and can’t wait for results.

I’ve bought this to try on my daughter as she has hyperminralisation so she is using it every others night at the moment she said really easy to apply. Apparently the taste is very strong that’s the only thing she isn’t keen on but other than that great

This seems to be doing good work as often I feel sensitivity when I use a water flosser .
Since using this I have had no discomfort … overall a winner !

I’ve only just started using this but I already really like it and feel it’s doing me a lot of good.

I have only been using this a few days and actually noticed a difference today. I like to make a large bowl of salad and leave it in the fridge but I was starting to notice that when I bit into the cold peppers I would get that shock feeling. I had my salad for lunch today and nothing. I have used the mask morning and night using a soft toothbrush and this is impressive.

Very early days of using the enamel repair mask but am impressed so far. Teeth feel cleaner and having suffered sensitivity for years along with receeding gums this does seem to have improved. High hopes for the future.

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