Why would you add a sweetener to toothpaste? It might seem counter-intuitive if you aren’t aware of the dental benefits of xylitol. Here’s why we recommend using xylitol toothpaste vs. fluoride only toothpaste.
There's been a lot of discussion about the effects of fluoride on the brain, teeth, bones, joints and other body functions due its toxicity, especially in children before the age of 6, through ingestion. (find more information here: https://fluoridealert.org/articles/50-reasons/ )
Even with broad access to fluoride nowadays, a staggering 92% of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have experienced tooth decay. While the use of fluoride to reduce tooth decay has its place, it is quite clear that we need to add some tools to our arsenal in this ongoing fight against tooth decay.
Xylitol may be just the tool we need to reduce tooth decay further. Xylitol is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar polyol. It is found in fruits, vegetables, and berries. It can also be manufactured using xylan-rich plant materials.
Xylitol has been widely studied over the past 40 years for its effect on tooth decay. Xylitol has been found to reduce the levels of Streptococcus mutans in plaque and saliva by disrupting their energy production process leading to cell death. It has also been shown to reduce adhesion of S. mutans to the tooth surface and reduces their acid production. Xylitol increases saliva flow and pH levels, making it a great option for patients suffering from xerostomia (persistent feeling of dry mouth).
S. mutans is one of the primary bacteria that contribute to early childhood caries. Children often acquire this bacterium from their mothers via vertical or horizontal transmission. In a controlled trial, researchers compared the effect of xylitol and fluoride in the transmission of S. mutans from mother to child. They discovered the fluoride group had a significant increase in the level of S. mutans when compared to the xylitol group. The study concluded that maternal xylitol consumption provides preventative outcomes on salivary levels of S. mutans and caries risk in children.
A clinical trial on caries prevention using low dose xylitol gum in high caries risk adults followed 179 subjects over 12 months. The participants chewed the gum for 5 minutes 3 times a day, morning, midday and afternoon. The total daily intake of xylitol was 2.5 grams a day. The study concluded there was a significantly lower caries increment associated with low dose xylitol gum use. Xylitol can be found in many chewing gums and hard candies. Recommending the use of xylitol candy and gum in reducing tooth decay may be appealing to some patients, especially children and patients with xerostomia. I believe patient compliance would not be an issue with this homecare method.
A study in situ evaluating the effect of 20% xylitol varnish on remineralization of artificial incipient lesions found a significant increase in enamel remineralization. The remineralization was found to be as effective as commonly used sodium fluoride varnishes. This study opens the door to clinical trials, to further confirm these findings. Xylitol varnish may be a promising alternative to fluoride varnish, especially during this anti-fluoride era we are seeing currently.
Study after study supports the efficacy of xylitol in the reduction of tooth decay. What I find more interesting is that xylitol appears to be kryptonite to many strains of pathogens, not just those associated with tooth decay. Xylitol has been shown to reduce levels of the periodontopathic bacteria Helicobacter pylori and inhibit the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis. Considering these studies xylitol may be a promising candidate for the treatment and prevention of periodontitis as well as dental caries.
In vivo studies have found xylitol reduces the risk of candidiasis and angular cheilitis. It has prebiotic effects which can reduce glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol level. There is some evidence that xylitol may reduce the occurrence of acute otitis media in children. It seems that xylitol has a promising future in pharmaceuticals and nutrition.
Though xylitol is safe and has been shown effective in treatments for many different medical and dental diseases in humans, it is not safe for our furry friends, particularly dogs. Xylitol ingestion in dogs may lead to severe hypoglycemia followed by acute kidney failure and other bleeding disorders. Immediate treatment by a veterinarian is necessary in the event a dog ingests xylitol-containing products.
I am excited about the possibilities for the future of xylitol in dentistry. More options for patients lead to better compliance and hopefully lower percentages of tooth decay. Every patient needs an individualized plan for the prevention of dental diseases.
* Adapted from Today's RDH, March 2019
