The four benefits of xylitol

It’s surprising to learn about the benefits of xylitol and how consuming it can influence oral health. Let’s break this down concisely.

Xylitol helps to:

1. Slows the growth of bacteria such as S. mutans: It reduces the growth of the main bacteria responsible for tooth decay.
   
2. Stimulates saliva production: It increases saliva production, thereby reducing bacterial adhesion. This helps to reduce plaque build-up, one of the main factors behind the development of tooth decay and gum disease.
   
3. Maintains mineralisation of the enamel: Saliva helps to keep the mouth’s pH neutral, thereby creating the optimal conditions for enamel remineralisation.
   
4. Fresh breath: With less build-up of bacterial plaque, sulphur compounds and other unpleasant odours are eliminated.

In summary

Xylitol:

1. Reduces the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth (particularly Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus)
2. It therefore reduces the production of acids that cause tooth decay and enamel erosion…
3. and bacterial adhesion, helping to reduce plaque build-up
4. What’s more, xylitol increases the production of saliva, which acts as the mouth’s natural cleaner