Xylitol and Dental Hygiene

We all know sugary foods are bad for our teeth, but do we know why?

The sugar itself does not cause the damage to our teeth. The plaque-producing bacteria in our mouths that feed off sugar cause the damage. By combining Xylitol and dental hygiene, we can fight the plaque-producing bacteria and improve our dental health.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is an organic, natural substance found in the fibers of some fruits, vegetables, and trees. It's has a natural sweetness that tastes a lot like processed sugar but with 40% fewer calories.

The main factor that sets this remarkable sweetener apart from other sugars is that it helps to protect and even repair our teeth. This is why Xylitol and dental hygiene go hand-in-hand.

Manufacturers, like the makers of the Fuzzy Brush, are using the power of Xylitol to promote dental health worldwide.

Xylitol and plaque

Scientific evidence from studies like the one conducted in 2011 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA),  supports the claim that Xylitol can neutralize plaque acidity and repair tooth enamel. The evidence is clear but how exactly does Xylitol improve the health of our teeth?

Xylitol has a remarkable, multi-modal effect on the bacteria present in our mouths.

The plaque-producing bacteria in our mouths (known as Streptococcus mutans) use the sucrose we find in sugar and carbohydrates to form sticky plaque threads that attach to our teeth. The sucrose acts as a form of food for the plaque-producing bacteria helping them to reproduce and multiply.

Plaque-producing bacteria also absorbs any Xylitol present in the mouth, like when we use a Fuzzy Brush. Unlike sucrose, the Xylitol doesn't help the bad bacteria multiply. Instead, it prevents the bad bacteria from being able to process any other foodstuffs and the bacteria cells literally starve to death.

A healthier mouth

As the dead bacteria is cleaned away, a new oral pH is created which allows good oral bacteria to thrive. This good bacterium does not produce plaque or acid and won't damage our teeth in any way. In fact, this type of bacteria begins to form a protective coating over our teeth, so our enamel is better protected in the future.  

Best of all, Xylitol is completely harmless to the good bacteria, and the two work together synergistically to promote oral health.

Xylitol-rich products for healthier teeth

Using Xylitol every day helps maintain a healthy oral environment which is ideal for our mouths to embark on their own, natural, long-term dental repair work. Plaque-producing bacteria can be completely eliminated from our mouths after just five weeks of consuming at least 6.5g of Xylitol daily. No plaque bacteria means no more sticky plaque between brushings.

Oral health for overall health

Xylitol is also known to provide relief from the symptoms of numerous ailments that plague our mouths. It works to fight the symptoms of gingivitis (gum infection), tooth decay, tooth sensitivity, thrush in infants and infections under the dentures elderly. The advantages don't only benefit the mouth though. Xylitol appears to have a positive effect on middle ear infections, sinus infections, acid reflux, nasal allergies and even some skin problems - all of which have been linked to poor oral health.

Brush your way to better health

Using a Fuzzy Brush will remove bad bacteria, balance the pH in our mouth, moisten your mouth, stimulate good bacteria and help to strengthen our teeth overall.

It's time to trust Xylitol and dental hygiene for a stronger, healthier set of teeth.