Xylitol, Sugar Substitute That Reduces Risk of Oral Cavities

Filed in archive Studies on February 20, 2007

A dissertation at Umeå University in Sweden found that the sugar substitute xylitol may reduce the risk of oral cavities and recommends the following:

• A daily intake of xylitol is recommended as a supplement for patients at high risk for tooth decay.


• Xylitol products that actively stimulate the secretion of saliva should be the first choice, such as chewing gum.


• About 6 g of xylitol per day is needed to counteract the production of acid and thereby reduce the risk of cavities.


• The daily intake should be distributed over at least three occasions.


• The products should contain as much xylitol as possible and not be mixed with other sweeteners.

[Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is produced by reduction of the sugar xylose, or wood sugar. Xylitol occurs naturally in fruits and berries, such as pears and strawberries. It is used in sugarless sweets, above all in chewing gum and lozenges.]

Find more details from the full report.

[Photo Credit: Homestead Market]