Xylitol (xylitol) in toothpaste: benefits and harms, structural formula, is it possible during pregnancy

Xylitol is widely used in various fields.

The most common in the production of sweeteners, medicines, toothpastes.

Before use, you must familiarize yourself with its beneficial and negative properties.

Structural form and features of xylitol

Xylitol or xylitol (xylitol) consists of white crystals, is highly soluble in liquid, and has energy value. It can be found in a large number of fruits, berries, vegetables, mushrooms. In industrial production, the compound is obtained by processing corn cobs and some tree species.

The structural form of xylitol is CH2OH (CHOH) 3CH2OH.

Xylitol was first discovered in Europe in the 19th century and was used as an additive with a sweetish taste. The sugar substitute was especially popular among people with diabetes mellitus (insulin does not take part in the absorption of xylitol). The compound in question is absorbed extremely slowly. Most of the crystalline substance is produced in China.

In the middle of the 20th century, people began to use it in the chemical and food industries. Xylitol is found in many medicines.

Many food manufacturers present xylitol as a food additive (E967), which is a stabilizer, dietary sweetener, emulsifier. For the manufacture of yeast flour mass, such an additive is not used, since it has the function of slowing down the "work" of the yeast. The substance is considered safe and approved for use in more than three dozen countries around the world.

In addition, xylitol has an antibacterial effect, therefore it is widely used in industrial production. For example, it can help keep raw meat fresh for 14 days. To do this, the product must be soaked in a sweetish liquid (with the addition of a sugar substitute).

In the chemical field, this substance is used for the production of esters, resins. In pharmacology, it is widely known to make medicinal lozenges and cough syrup, toothpastes, chewable vitamins, based on a sugar substitute.

But xylitol is also widely used in dental products. Not everyone is sure about the safety of this component, so you need to learn more about its properties for the oral cavity.

Why xylitol is good for your mouth

The benefits of xylitol in toothpastes are recognized by many. The element helps to slow down the reproduction of bacteria that provoke the development caries.

Pathogenic microorganisms cannot make an acid from this substance that negatively affects the teeth, unlike sugar.

Xylitol promotes increased salivation, which prevents dry mouth. Means for teeth with its addition will be especially useful for people suffering from xerostomia (excessive dry mouth). This problem brings a lot of unpleasant sensations to a person, and also weakens the protective properties of the oral cavity, thereby contributing to the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria, the development inflammatory process, primary destruction tooth enamel (when caries occurs).

To stimulate the secretion of saliva, increase its protective properties, normalize the acid-base balance of the oral cavity, it is necessary brush your teeth regularly and language paste with xylitol content. In this case, the enamel will recover on its own.

When using this paste substance, rinses and sprays for the oral cavity can be used with already formed caries. Xylitol will help eliminate it (early on) by slowing its spread and preventing reoccurrence.

Consuming the compound in question as a sugar substitute will help reinforce gums, to prevent the development of the inflammatory process of the tissues of the oral cavity.

This prophylactic agent will be especially appropriate in childhood and adolescence, when the oral cavity is especially vulnerable to the growth of bacteria. To reduce the risk of tooth decay, 2 to 3 chewing gums containing 100% xylitol can be used after meals. The recommended daily dose for adults is 5 pieces.

Is the component harmful and is it allowed during pregnancy

The xylitol contained in the toothpaste does not harm the human body if the instructions in the instructions are followed. The negative effect of this substance is possible only if there is an individual intolerance to the component and / or if the permissible limits of use are exceeded. In addition, xylitol has a mild laxative effect (when taken orally).

A pregnant woman must follow all recommendations for oral hygieneto be given by the dentist. The expectant mother needs to brush her teeth twice a day with a light or normal brush. Permitted to use as electric toothbrush, and usual.

It is strongly not recommended to use products containing xylitol when:

• hypersensitivity to the compound in question;
• epilepsy;
• in children under three years of age.

You can find out about the content of xylitol, like any other substance that makes up the toothpaste, from the information on the package and / or tube.

Several pastes that contain xylitol

Chain stores offer a wide range of xylitol toothpastes:

• R.O.C.S;
• St. Andrews (for children);
• Dentifrice Bio;
• XyliDent;
• Fuchs Junior (for children);
• President Classic and many others.

Also, some types of products can be purchased at pharmacies.