Dear Dr. Ellie,
I have read a lot about your Zellies, and I understand that they are good for your teeth, but I would like to know if you can explain what Xylitol is, and why it is used for Zellies products. Does it actually just stop cavities from forming, or can it help my teeth remineralize too?
Thank you.
Dan P.
Dear D,
Of course I can explain a little more about Xylitol. There is a lot of info online, and a lot of people claiming that they have Xylitol products. But we use 100% Xylitol in Zellies because we want to give you the best that Xylitol has to offer. If you want more information, or need this explained further, I would be happy to talk with you via phone or email…
Xylitol, (also called wood sugar or birch sugar), is a five-carbon sugar alcohol often used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is known for its extraordinary dental health benefits.
Xylitol comes from the fibers of fruits and vegetables such as corn fiber and from birch trees. Pure Xylitol looks and tastes similar to regular sugar, with a slight refreshing aftertaste and 40% fewer calories. Small amounts are even made by your own body when you metabolize glucose. This is why Xylitol is a perfect sweetener for Zellies!
Xylitol is a popular sugar substitute because it is safe for diabetics and individuals with hyperglycemia. Sugar-alcohols such as Xylitol have less impact on a person’s blood sugar than regular sugars. Xylitol has been used for over 100 years in diabetic treatments.
Xylitol is NOT like other artificial sweeteners. Other artificial sweeteners can be harmful to both your teeth and your body.
Xylitol was discovered during wartime in the 1940’s when there were sugar shortages in Europe. Xylitol was used as a table sugar in many countries. After wartime, Scandinavians continued to eat Xylitol and by chance discovered its medical and dental health benefits. Xylitol prevents cavities instead of causing them.
Zellies are sweetened with 100% Xylitol, and the greatest value to dental health comes from eating 100% Xylitol. Do not be fooled by other “sugar free Xylitol” products which may contain as little as 2% Xylitol. Zellies products bring you 100% Xylitol in the best form.
Xylitol is a “tooth-friendly” sugar. In addition to not encouraging tooth decay (by replacing dietary sugars), Xylitol may assist in repairing minor cavities caused by dental caries. Recent research confirms a plaque reducing effect and suggests that Xylitol, having some chemical properties similar to sucrose, attracts and then “starves” harmful micro-organisms, allowing the mouth to remineralize (re-build) damaged teeth with less interruption.
Xylitol is FDA approved for complete safety. Xylitol based products are allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make the medical claim that they do not promote dental caries.
Let me know if I can give you any more information on Xylitol,
Ellie Phillips, DDS
Categories: Xylitol