Can Xylitol Toothpaste Improve Your Dental Health? (2024)

Xylitol toothpaste is a type of toothpaste that contains xylitol, a sugar alcohol sourced from birch trees and other types of hardwood trees and plants. Xylitol is believed to improve dental health; it tastes sweet, but unlike sugar, it isn't converted into acids in the mouth that can promote tooth decay.

Said to slow the growth of Streptococcus mutans (the bacteria most closely associated with tooth decay), xylitol toothpaste is often touted as a natural approach tocavity prevention.

This article discusses the potential benefits and side effects of xylitol toothpaste, as well as other ingredients to be aware of and popular brands available.

Benefits of Xylitol Toothpaste

Research on xylitol toothpaste has yielded mixed results:

• In a2015 review of 10 studies, a fluoride toothpaste containing 10% xylitol reduced cavities by 13% compared to a fluoride-only toothpaste when used for two and a half to three years. However, the study authors noted the evidence was considered low quality and recommended large, well-designed clinical trials.
• A 6-month study including 96 4- and 5-year-old children found fluoride toothpaste with 31% xylitol was no more effective than standard fluoride toothpaste in preventing early childhood cavities and reducing streptococci mutans.
• A 2015 laboratory study compared the effects of different types of toothpaste on the growth of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Researchers found xylitol toothpaste did not significantly inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans or Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Side Effects of Xylitol Toothpaste

Xylitol has been approved for safety by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a non-nutritive sweetener. However, some side effects of xylitol have been reported, including:

• Mouth sores
• Bloating
• Cramps
• Constipation
• Gas
• Loose stools
• Diarrhea

Xylitol toothpasteshouldn't be ingested or left in the mouth without rinsing.

Xylitol toothpaste shouldn't substitute for standard care in treating a dental condition (such asperiodontitis).If you are considering trying xylitol toothpaste, talk to your dentist first.

Other Ingredients Commonly Added to Xylitol Toothpaste

Although xylitol is the primary ingredient, other ingredients may be added to the toothpaste, such as:

• Mild abrasives to buff off stains and surface debris, such as silica gels, calcium carbonate, hydrated silica, phosphate salts, or calcium carbonate
• Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium lauroyl sarcosinate to create a foamy lather and help loosen plaque and dirt from tooth surfaces
• Flavorings, such as spearmint, cinnamon, peppermint, menthol, or wintergreen to provide a fresh flavor
• Binding agents, such as carrageenan, cellulose, and xantham gum to provide a creamy texture

Many toothpaste brands clearly list xylitol on their product labels, especially those that claim to be fluoride-free. However, the labels of other products may be less obvious. Xylitol may go by other names, such as:

• Wood sugar
• Birch sugar
• Birch bark extract

Some products simply list "sugar alcohol" under inactive ingredients.

Popular Xylitol Toothpaste Brands

Popular toothpaste brands that contain xylitol include:

• Epic Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
• Spry All Natural Kids Fluoride-Free Tooth Gel with Xylitol
• Now Solutions Xyliwhite Toothpaste Gel
• Tom's of Maine Fluoride-free Antiplaque & Whitening Natural Toothpaste

Summary

Although it's too soon to tell whetherxylitol toothpaste can significantly cut your risk of cavities, it's possible that xylitol products may be of some benefit when used in conjunction with standard measures to prevent cavities, including brushing your teeth every day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth daily, and seeing your dentist regularly.