Xylitol Critical Mass Question

Dr. Ellie,

Is xylitol helpful for dental health in amounts smaller than your recommended 6 grams per day? I have read some negative things about the health effects of xylitol and I don't feel comfortable consuming 6 grams of sugar every day. Can I get some benefit from starting out with zellies mints two or three times a day, or is it a waste of money and energy to take less than the full 6 grams? (I have been following your 3 rinse program but not the xylitol program yet). I am in a position to offer a xylitol candy as a treat to my young music students when they come in for their weekly lesson. Will the xylitol provide them some dental health benefit to them or do they have to be on the full program to get dental benefit?

Thanks for your response,
KC

Hi KC,

Thanks for your message I will try to answer your questions in the order you ask them!
Anytime you eat xylitol, some plaque bacteria in your mouth will be inactivated - which means less mouth acidity, and a reduction in damage to teeth.

One exposure is unlikely to make a noticeable difference. Frequent exposure will make a difference in ANY mouth.

Even people infected with sufficient harmful bacteria to have multiple cavities, can -- with frequent small exposure to sufficient xylitol -- eradicate their disease.

Xylitol is your helper!
How much you need -- depends on how much damage you are experiencing -- in other words, how much plaque do you have on your teeth?

Another way to explain this, is to say how high is your risk for plaque will cavities?
If you have very little risk -- for example, you have a lifetime with no cavities, no gum disease, and perfect checkup appointments at your dentist -- then you probably don't need a lot of extra help. For someone in this situation, a little xylitol after meals may help maintain this standard of oral health.

This evaluation is called "risk assessment".
The more risk you have -- the more help you need -- the more xylitol you need! Research has shown that when people are at high risk, small amounts of xylitol are not enough to eradicate the disease. The research explains a minimum amount of xylitol is needed -- somewhere in the region of 6 g is necessary to overcome and reduce plaque.

The research also shows that above 10 g of xylitol each day -- will not speed up improvement - so there is no extra benefit from eating more than this for your teeth. This is called a plateau effect. (However, some doctors recommend 20 g a day of xylitol a day for osteoporosis management).

This is why dentists recommend between 6 and 10 g of xylitol each day:
approximately 1 to 2 teaspoons per day.

I'm interested to know the negative effects that you mention. As far as I know, there are no negative effects for humans ( dogs can have sensitivity to xylitol) from 100% xylitol.

In fact, you are going to find xylitol in health stores -- and multiple health benefits have been reported. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7, and it can help stabilize blood sugars, possibly reduce sugar cravings, and may be one of the healthiest sweeteners -- used in moderation, I agree. I think Zellies are an excellent treat to offer to your students! Not only are you offering something healthy, but xylitol helps stimulate a flow of good saliva - which would be particularly useful for any singers or trumpet players!

Years ago many people confused sorbitol with xylitol -- completely different products.
Sorbitol will give gastric distress at a very low dosage. I would never recommend sorbitol.

Please let me know if there is anything else you wish to ask,

Best wishes,
Ellie

Ellie Phillips DDS
www.CleanWhiteTeeth.com
www.Zellies.com
Dental Health for Everyone!
author, Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye
26, Corporate Woods, Rochester NY 14623
585-272-1270
585-272-991
585-272-0705 (Fax)