Remineralizing Teeth With Gum That Contains Xylitol

While cavities are a global issue that affects all age groups, a new trend of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum is building momentum as it enlivens the hope of remineralizing teeth naturally.

Despite the enamel being the hardest body substance to the extent of surpassing bone hardness, acids from mouth bacteria can wear it down over time, kickstarting the tooth decay process.

Millions of people opt for cavity treatment measures, such as composite dental fillings, to save their teeth from cavity growth.

But are there any alternatives to early cavity reversal, and do they work?

In this article, we explore remineralizing teeth with xylitol-sweetened chewing gum. We discuss what gum that contains xylitol is, its properties, how it works, and whether it is a considerable alternative to remineralizing teeth.

Gum that contains xylitol: What it is

Xylitol-sweetened chewing gum is a gum that contains a xylitol compound that can inhibit the survival and multiplication of mouth bacteria; which produce acids that wear down the enamel, resulting in tooth decay or cavity formation.

Research studies indicate that chewing xylitol gum may inhibit tooth decay and significantly contribute to remineralizing teeth.

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How demineralization of teeth occurs

The food we eat leaves behind tiny leftover particles in the mouth that mouth bacteria feed on.

Afterward, they metabolize the sugar from the leftovers to release acids.

These acids pose an impending threat to enamel demineralization over some time.

When the enamel crystals collapse, tooth decay begins, exposing fragile inner tooth regions such as the dentin as time progresses.

Why xylitol sweetened chewing gum is a game changer

However, bacteria-producing acids present in the mouth can’t break down xylitol. Therefore, it prohibits their multiplication rate contrary to sugar.

This attribute hinders the production of less destructive acids that contribute to enamel demineralization.

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Can gum that contains xylitol reverse cavities?

Gum that contains xylitol works by countering the effects of acid attacks on enamel demineralization.

First, xylitol hinders the cavity-causing bacteria from multiplying since they can’t ferment it or break it down to release acids.

In addition, it increases saliva flow in the mouth and the saliva PH to alkaline levels.

This xylitol attribute neutralizes the acid the bacteria produce and starves them to their death.

Being non-fermentable, xylitol sweetened chewing gum inhibits further cavity progression or new cavity formation.

It can also contribute to remineralizing teeth and cavity reversal in early tooth decay stages.

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Is xylitol safe for human use?

Xylitol-sweetened chewing gum is safe for human consumption. This also applies to pregnant and new moms.

Besides the laxative properties it produces if you exceed the daily limit, it has no life-threatening or negative effects on humans.

How much xylitol sweetened chewing gum do you need for remineralizing teeth?

You need 5-6 grams of xylitol-containing gum each day to suppress the bacteria that accelerate cavity development and enamel demineralization.

This amount is approximately five pellet pieces maximum every day and a minimum of 3.

Exceeding the expert-recommended amount can result in stomach upset or diarrhea in some instances.

Is xylitol sweetened chewing gum new-mom friendly?

Yes, gum that contains xylitol is new-mom-friendly.

In fact, research indicates that chewing xylitol bubble gum can reduce the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from mother to child by 80% during the first two years.

While cavity-causing bacteria occur naturally in mouths, they are not present from birth, and newborn babies don’t have them.

In addition, they can be transmitted from mother to child.

For example, through kisses or other saliva-transmission methods, such as trying your baby’s food to ensure it has the correct temperature.

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Xylitol vs. aspartame

Consuming sugar-free chewing gum may not be enjoyable for most of us.

Therefore, manufacturers often integrate artificial sweeteners such as aspartame into chewing gum to make it tastier.

Why xylitol sweetened chewing gum is good for your teeth and a better option

Xylitol tastes like refined table sugar, while aspartame is roughly 200 times tastier than table sugar.

This aspartame feature can tremendously increase free sugars in the mouth, accelerate acid attacks on the enamel, and cause quicker cavity growth.

Conversely, unlike aspartame, mouth bacteria cannot metabolize xylitol because it is non-fermentable.

Therefore, it derails the demineralization process and keeps the bacteria in check.

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Xylitol calories: Diabetic and weight-loss-friendly

While xylitol tastes similar to table sugar, it boasts 2.4 calories per gram, while table sugar trails behind with four calories per gram.

If you’re conscious about keeping your daily calorie intake in check, xylitol is also weight loss-friendly.

Sometimes, individuals on weight-loss journeys replace it with sucrose as it tastes similarly but has a lower caloric value.

Xylitol also boasts a low glycemic index.

This implies that consuming it doesn’t cause surges in insulin or glucose levels, making it diabetic-friendly.

Is xylitol a synthetic sweetener?

Most people often ask whether xylitol is a synthetic sweetener. The answer is yes and no, depending on where it comes from.

It’s crucial to remember that the source doesn’t necessarily predetermine its safetyworthiness.

Extracting xylitol from birch trees or fruits would make it organic while sourcing it from industrial hydrogenation would make it synthetic.

However, it’s still the same component, and authorities have tested and approved it for human consumption.

Besides, it mimics table sugar in sweetness and boasts fewer calories, making it an excellent sweetener choice for lower-calorie and sugar-free enthusiasts.

Where is xylitol found?

Xylitol can be found in birch trees, berries, and fruits.

Besides, pulp and paper manufacturers can make it from cell walls containing fibers in certain plants, such as xylan.

Thereafter, they can transform it into xylitol by hydrogenation.

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Xylitol commercial uses: Dental care, foods and sweets

After hydrogenation, manufacturers can use xylitol to make candy, toothpaste, meds, peanut butter, mouthwash, and sugar-free chewing gum.

Heads up! Keep xylitol products away from dogs

Dogs break down xylitol differently, unlike humans.

While xylitol doesn’t stimulate insulin release in humans, it interacts differently in dogs.

When your dog consumes a product with xylitol, the bloodstream absorbs it faster. It may result in high insulin release from the pancreas.

Quick insulin release can lead to an intense decline in blood sugar levels in dogs, a potent effect that can kick in 10-60 minutes after xylitol intake.

If left untreated, this may be life-threatening to canines.

What about feline paw-rents?

Feline paw-rents, especially cats, have a lower xylitol effect risk. Cats tend to have a natural contempt for sweets.

Their contempt is because their taste buds lack a sweetness receptor, so they can’t taste sugar.

This absent taste receptor saves them as they lack a ‘sweet tooth.’ Some cat paw-rents may wonder why their felines are attracted to ice cream.

Contrary to popular belief, this may be significantly due to the lipid content and not the sweetness of the ice cream.

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Frequently asked questions on xylitol sweetened chewing gum for remineralizing teeth

Here are some common questions and answers on gum that contains xylitol:

1. What is xylitol sweetened chewing gum?

Xylitol-sweetened chewing gum is a gum that contains xylitol (a naturally occurring compound that can also be produced through commercial hydrogenation), which is useful for remineralizing teeth.

Unlike other sugars, xylitol chewing gum is non-fermentable, so cavity-causing bacteria cannot metabolize it to produce acids that cause tooth demineralization.

2. What are the benefits of xylitol chewing gum?

Gum that contains xylitol controls and inhibits cavity-causing bacteria from multiplying in the mouth.

Besides, it also increases saliva pH and flow and makes it alkaline, which may contribute to fighting tooth demineralization.

3. What are xylitol chewing gum’s side effects?

While xylitol is safe for human consumption, exceeding the recommendable 5-7g daily limits may result in side effects such as stomach upsets, bloating, or a runny tummy.

However, it has no life-threatening effects on humans if you stick to the limits and have no underlying issues.

4. Where to buy xylitol chewing gum

You can buy gum that contains xylitol from online marketplaces like e-pharmacies and Amazon.

To achieve better cavity-fighting results, ensure that you check the concentration of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum before purchase.

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5. Which chewing gum has xylitol?

Gum that contains xylitol is often sugar-free and typically boasts a 100% xylitol sweetened tag.

Gums with a concentration of approximately 1 gram of xylitol per pellet are the most beneficial since you need 5-7 grams each day to combat cavity-causing bacteria.

Minimal amounts of xylitol in chewing gum may not yield optimum results in cavity-causing bacteria and oral health problems.

6. Why is xylitol bad for dogs?

When a dog consumes a product with xylitol, the bloodstream absorbs it quickly, causing the pancreas to release high amounts of insulin.

Rapid insulin release can lead to an intense decline in blood sugar levels in dogs, a potent effect that can kick in 10-60 minutes after xylitol intake.

The Takeaway

Numerous scientific studies support remineralizing gum for oral health.

Despite untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth being the most prevalent global health disease, regular teeth brushing, eating healthy diets, and incorporating the use of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum can tremendously contribute to fighting cavities universally.