So what is Xylitol? Xylitol is a “sugar” which is not fermented by the decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. Because it is not fermented, the pH of the plaque does not decrease (become more acidic) and enamel demineralization is prevented. The end result: the plaque bacteria do not proliferate.

Xylitol also enhances re-mineralization, while reducing the accumulation of plaque. Regular chewing of xylitol-sweetened gum has specific inhibiting effects on the growth of cariogenic bacteria (mutans streptococci).

The Xylitol must be of adequate concentration to be effective and is typically unavailable in commercial chewing gums like Trident.… Read more