The Oral Health Benefits of Xylitol Gum
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that has fewer calories than regular sugar and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.1 Found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables, it is also used in some chewing gum, candy and mints, diabetic food products and some oral care products.
Xylitol’s biggest benefit is that oral bacteria (which can cause diseases like gingivitis) can’t feed on it and grow as they would with normal sugars. If you chew gum with xylitol, the bacteria in your mouth have nothing to support their growth and die.
Xylitol’s other benefits include:
- Absorption of calcium, which is not only good for your teeth, but can also protect against osteoporosis.
- An increased production of saliva that contains calcium and prevents dry mouth.
- A reduction of acid levels in the saliva after eating or drinking, which helps fight erosion of tooth enamel.
Sources:
1Xylitol: Uses and Risks, WebMD, 2019
The TRICARE Dental Program has you covered
You can learn about your TRICARE Dental Program (TDP) benefits here. Read more about the importance of oral care by accessing TDP’s oral care pamphlets.
