What would you say if we told you that chewing gum can actually help strengthen your teeth and contribute to keeping them cavity-free? Well, if your favourite gum has xylitol as a main ingredient, it just might! This week, we’re taking a closer look at xylitol – a little ingredient that can have a surprisingly large impact on the health of your teeth.  

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, which is a type of sugar that is nearly as sweet as natural sugar (approximately 80%) while having only a fraction of the calories. While present in many “sugar-free" products, it’s most commonly found in certain mints and chewing gums. Other common examples of sugar alcohols include sorbitol or erythritol, though they lack xylitol’s other beneficial qualities.

Xylitol has been shown to help prevent cavities, primarily by making sure that tooth decay-causing bacteria are unable to feed and grow (bacteria feeds on sugars, which is why sweets and sodas can be so damaging to your teeth). It can also help combat dry mouth by stimulating saliva production in your mouth – perfect for our dry Manitoba winters.  

Other beneficial impacts include a reduction in gum disease, slowed production of tooth-decaying acids (thanks to its pH-neutralizing qualities) and decreased formation of plaque.

Importantly, xylitol also enables the rebuilding of enamel, the extremely hard mineral coating that protects your teeth from cavities and other damage.  

While xylitol certainly has some beneficial effects, it also has a few significant drawbacks to keep in mind before you start your new chewing gum obsession. When consumed in large amounts, sugar alcohols – including xylitol – can cause gas, bloating, stomach cramping and even diarrhea. It’s also extremely toxic to pets, especially dogs, so take care not to leave any xylitol-containing products anywhere where your pet could accidentally ingest it. Finally, while chewing xylitol gum can contribute to your overall oral health, it’s absolutely no substitute for a comprehensive oral health strategy, including brushing and flossing twice a day, limiting sugary food and drink, drinking lots of water and visiting your dentist for regular six-month cleanings and checkups.  

Whether it’s been a while since your last appointment or you’re a regular patient at our clinics, booking your next cleaning is easy – all you need to do is use the orange Book Online button. We hope to see you soon!