Xylitol and dental tartar: The science

Let’s talk about what science tells us regarding how xylitol affects tartar formation.

Xylitol is a natural sweetener similar to sugar but with very different properties, which include its effects on bacteria, plaque and tartar.

Science

Xylitol is a natural sweetener used in many food products.

When we eat or drink, we aren’t only feeding ourselves, but also the bacteria in our mouths, including the harmful ones. In fact, the main food source for the most harmful bacteria in the mouth (Streptococcus mutans) is ordinary sugar (sucrose).

Tartar is the result of accumulated plaque that remains in the mouth. Plaque is essentially a build-up of bacteria, and xylitol can have a significant impact by reducing the growth of S. mutans, increasing saliva production and reducing bacterial adhesion. Less plaque means less tartar.

And without tartar, the mouth is much healthier and more resistant to disease and to tooth decay – another oral problem which xylitol can significantly impact.