What Does Xylitol Gum Do? Revealing its Many Benefits

Xylitol chewing gum is more than just a way to freshen your breath—it's a gateway to many health benefits. This naturally sweetened gum is not your average calorie-reduced treat; you can also chew your way to improved oral health.

Xylitol, which gives our gum its health-giving properties, protects against cavities by strengthening your dental defenses, but it can do much more than improve your pearly whites.

Replacing sugar with xylitol has been proven to help with health issues like ear infections, diabetes, and yeast infections. So, how can chewing gum do all these things? This article will tell you everything you need about what xylitol gum can do for you.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables. While there are various sources, most commercial xylitol comes from corn cobs and other plant sources. Other plants, including hardwoods, softwoods, and agricultural waste produced from processing maize, wheat, or rice, can be used.

Xylitol sourced from corn cobs is the most economical and environmentally friendly method of xylitol production. Other sources produce waste by-products that cannot be used anywhere else. Products produced from corn cob xylitol can be recycled for mushroom farming, and the pulp can be converted into fuel.

Despite some debate about the different products used to produce xylitol, all forms are identical, regardless of the source.

It's a versatile product that has become more than a sugar substitute. Xylitol's various health-giving properties have proven useful in nasal sprays, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and candies.

Oral Health Benefits

Sugar-sweetened gum increases the risk of cavities by providing fuel for cavity-causing bacteria. Fortunately, xylitol behaves differently in your mouth to deliver some surprising oral health benefits.

It blocks the energy production of plaque-causing bacteria, keeping their population low and causing them to die early. This prevents microorganisms from sticking to your teeth and producing harmful acids that damage the enamel.

Additionally, the presence of xylitol helps reduce populations of S. pneumonia and S. mitis in your mouth.

As with all sweeteners, xylitol boosts the volume of saliva, which is nature's way of cleaning teeth and neutralizing acids. Saliva also washes away particles and bacteria to help keep your mouth and teeth fresh and clean.

The process known as mineralization is another benefit of increased saliva production. As calcium and phosphate-rich saliva flows over your teeth, it deposits these minerals to strengthen the enamel on your teeth.

Broader Health Advantages of Xylitol Gum

Chewing xylitol-infused gum has enormous dental health and hygiene advantages, but that's not all it can do. Regular chewing can:

• Prevent yeast and ear infections
• Reduce antibiotic use
• Help you manage weight
• Improve skin health
• Control diabetes symptoms

Xylitol's Low Glycemic Index

Wouldn't it be great to enjoy a sweet treat without worrying about the subsequent spike in blood sugar? Xylitol makes it possible.

Xylitol is healthier because it has a low glycemic index. It doesn't raise blood sugar or insulin levels like sugar does, making it appealing as a healthier sweetening option.

If you are keeping an eagle eye on your sugar intake, losing weight, or managing diabetes, xylitol can help you achieve your health goals, especially if you've been blessed with a sweet tooth.

Ear and Yeast Infections

Chewing on xylitol gum can help prevent middle ear infections in children (acute Otitis). It does this by preventing the growth of bacteria and yeast that cause the infections.

Xylitol gum, lozenges, and syrup can reduce inner ear infections by 22% to 32% in healthy children.

It has also been revealed that it might help prevent pneumococcal diseases like AOM (Acute Otitis Media), a common bacterial infection in young children. [source]

 Reduced Antibiotic Use

The world has become heavily dependent on antibiotics. Unfortunately, germs are getting better and better at resisting medicines, so anything that helps us reduce our dependency can help.

Research on children using xylitol shows 36% less use of antimicrobial drugs compared to those who don't use it.[source]

Manage Weight and Diabetes Symptoms

Children in the States now consume as much as 120 pounds of sugar per year, or 20 teaspoons daily. This exceeds the recommended amount and contributes greatly to the increasing obesity problem in developed countries.

Xylitol is a fantastic alternative because it is nearly as sweet, all-natural, and contains almost 40% fewer calories than sugar.

Yes, xylitol does make a caloric contribution to your diet, so moderation is key. Xylitol has no vitamins or minerals, but it offers health benefits and does not provide empty calories like sugar, which has few to no health benefits.

Skin Health

The health sugar substitute has even shown an ability to contribute to good skin health. Xylitol prevents harmful microorganisms from attaching to your skin and forming biofilm, which can cause various skin issues.

How to Reap the Benefits of Xylitol Gum

Supporting your health and nutrition is easier when you switch to xylitol. For optimal health benefits, it's recommended that xylitol gum is chewed for about five minutes after a meal and 3 to 5 times daily.

Some people may require an adjustment period, so starting slowly and increasing your usage over time is recommended. This way, your body has time to adjust to xylitol, and you can avoid the sometimes uncomfortable side effects, such as diarrhea, from eating too much all at once.

Xylitol - The Healthy Alternative for a Sweeter Life

The journey towards a healthier lifestyle can be sweetened by adding xylitol to your diet. From improving oral health to offering broader health benefits, xylitol is a versatile and beneficial addition to daily routines. Supported by randomized controlled clinical trials, the evidence favoring xylitol's effectiveness is strong, encouraging its use for a brighter, healthier, and sweeter future. Choose the xylitol gum products that suit your lifestyle today.