Xylitol Inhibits Bacteria Growth
Posted by Dr. Belgin Günay on Tue, 25 Jul 2023
Westboro Dental Centre Dr. Belgin Günay - Dentist Ottawa
Xylitol can help reduce bacteria.
Cavity-causing bacteria are obsessed with sugar in the same way that most trick-or-treaters are. Fortunately for your teeth, experts tell us these same bacteria mistake xylitol for sugar and bring it into their cellular walls through an uptake system that converts it into an unusable molecule (xylitol phosphate). Over time, the unusable xylitol builds up inside the cell and effectively clogs up the bacteria's digestive system, rendering them unable to produce acid./p>
"Xylitol inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause cavities. It does this because these bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) cannot utilize xylitol to grow."
"Over time with xylitol use, the quality of the bacteria in the mouth changes and fewer and fewer decay-causing bacteria survive on tooth surfaces. Less plaque forms and the level of acids attacking the tooth surface is lowered."
Regular Use of Xylitol May Reduce Your Risk of Tooth Decay.
Dental experts recommend the regular use of 6-8 grams of xylitol per day to protect your teeth, either in chewing gum form or as substitute for sugar when cooking and adding into your coffee and tea.
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