What is Xylitol?
Pure Xylitol is a white crystalline substance that looks and tastes like sugar. On food labels, Xylitol is classified broadly as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as polyol. Because Xylitol is only slowly absorbed and partially utilized, a reduced calorie claim is allowed: 2.4 calories per gram or 40% less than other carbohydrates.

Xylitol has been used in foods since the 1960's. It is a popular sweetener for the diabetic diet in some countries. In the U.S., Xylitol is approved as a food additive in unlimited quantity for for foods with special dietary purposes.

Over 25 years of testing in widely different conditions confirm that Xylitol is the best sweetener for teeth. Xylitol use reduces tooth decay rates both in high-risk groups (high caries prevalence, poor nutrition, and poor oral hygiene) and in low risk groups (low caries using all current prevention recommendations). Sugar free chewing gums and candies made with Xylitol as the principal sweetener have already received official endorsements from six national dental associations.

Why use Xylitol?

EFFECTIVE
Studies using Xylitol as either a sugar substitute or small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with arrest and even some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods. This Xylitol effect is long-lasting and possibly permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been completed.

NATURAL
Xylitol is right here, inside, already.Our bodies produce up to 15 grams of Xylitol from other food sources using established energy pathways. Xylitol is not a strange or artificial substance, but a normal part of everyday metabolism.

SAFE
In the amounts needed to prevent tooth decay (less than 15 grams per day), Xylitol is safe for everyone.

CONVENIENT
Xylitol can be conveniently delivered to your teeth via chewing gum, tablets, or even candy. You can implement your Xylitol program anywhere, anytime. It fits right in with the most frantic schedules. You don't need to change your normal routine to make room for Xylitol.

ENJOYABLE
Some health regimens require iron willpower, discipline and commitment, but Xylitol tastes so good that it becomes automatic. Children love it! Nagging is minimized.

HOW TO USE XYLITOL
It is not necessary to replace all sweeteners to get the dental benefits of Xylitol. Look for Xylitol sweetened products that encourage chewing or sucking to keep the Xylitol in contact with your teeth. The best items use Xylitol as a principal sweetener.

HOW MUCH?
Studies show that 4 to 12 grams of Xylitol per day are very effective. It's easy to keep track of your Xylitol intake. The "All Xylitol" mints and gums contain about one gram of Xylitol in each piece. You could begin with as little as one piece four times a day for a toal of four grams. It is not necessary to use more than 15 grams per day as higher intakes yield diminishing dental benefits.

HOW OFTEN?
If used only occasionally or even as often as once a day, Xylitol may NOT be effective, regadless of the amount. Use Xylitol at least three, and preferably 5 times every day.

TIMING
Use immediately after eating and clearning the mouth by swishing water, if possible. Between meals, replace ordinary chewing gum, breath mints, or breath spray with comparable Xylitol products.

WHERE DO I FIND XYLITOL?
At Sun Harvest or Whole Foods here in San Antonio, as well as on the internet. It is in some of the sugar free gums, just look at the ingredients list.

WEBSITES
www.xylipro.com
www.sprydental.com
www.xlearinc.com