Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute in many products, including sugar-free gums. It provides a sweet taste like sugar, but contains fewer calories and does not increase blood sugar levels. Many people choose sugar-free gums with xylitol because they want to limit their sugar intake or avoid cavities. Fortunately, there are a number of popular gum brands that contain xylitol.
What is xylitol?
Xylitol is categorized as a polyol, which is a type of sugar alcohol. Its chemical structure is similar to sugar, but slightly different. This means that unlike sugar, xylitol does not increase blood sugar or insulin levels. Xylitol has about 40% fewer calories than sugar and is absorbed more slowly in the body. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause cavities and infections.
Xylitol has been used as a sugar substitute in foods starting in the 1960s. Finland was one of the first countries to begin manufacturing xylitol and using it in foods on a large scale. It continues to be popular in chewing gums and other products, especially in Scandinavian countries. In the 1990s, xylitol started gaining popularity in the United States and other countries.
Xylitol has the same level of sweetness as regular sugar but contains 33% fewer calories per gram. It does not increase blood glucose or insulin levels, so it is safe for people with diabetes. Xylitol is considered a tooth-friendly sugar substitute because it starves cavity-causing bacteria of sugar and also helps strengthen tooth enamel.
Benefits of xylitol
Some of the main benefits of xylitol include:
– Fewer calories than sugar – Xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than sugar. This makes it appealing for people watching their calorie intake.
– Does not raise blood sugar – Xylitol does not increase blood glucose or insulin secretion. This makes it safe for people with diabetes.
– Tooth-friendly – Xylitol prevents bacteria from adhering to teeth and starves cavity-causing bacteria of sugar. It may also help strengthen tooth enamel.
– Prebiotic effects – Xylitol may selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. More research is still needed in this area.
– Antimicrobial properties – Xylitol has been shown to inhibit the growth of some bacteria, yeasts and fungi. This can help prevent infections.
– Safe for weight loss – Xylitol contains fewer calories than sugar, making it appealing for diets and weight loss plans.
Overall, xylitol provides a sweet flavor with fewer calories than sugar, while also offering dental health benefits. No wonder it’s popular in so many chewing gums and oral care products.
Xylitol in chewing gum
Chewing gum manufacturers often use xylitol as a sugar substitute in their sugar-free gum products. Xylitol has a cooling, sweet flavor that provides a similar taste to sugar, making it an ideal choice for gums. It also has the dental health benefits of reducing cavities due to its effects on bacteria.
The use of xylitol in gums was pioneered in Finland. Studies conducted in Scandinavian countries throughout the 1970s found significant reductions in dental caries in children who regularly chewed xylitol gums. This research paved the way for widespread xylitol adoption in chewing gums across the world.
Experts recommend chewing gum with xylitol for 5-10 minutes at least 3 times per day after meals and snacks. The stimulation of saliva production while chewing gum helps wash away food debris and neutralize cavity-causing acids. Xylitol also feeds the bacteria that are beneficial for tooth enamel. Over time, regular xylitol gum chewing can strengthen tooth enamel and reduce cavities.
Many major gum manufacturers now produce lines of xylitol gums to meet consumer demand for cavity protection. There are many great options to choose from across popular gum brands.
Popular chewing gum brands with xylitol
Here is an overview of some of the most popular chewing gum brands that offer xylitol gum options:
Trident
Trident gum has a line of xylitol chewing gums in multiple flavors. Their xylitol gums include:
– Trident Xylitol
– Trident Xylitol Mint
– Trident Xylitol Cinnamon
– Trident Xylitol Spearmint
– Trident Xylitol Bubble Gum
Trident recommends chewing 2-3 pieces of their xylitol gum 3 times per day after eating.
Orbit
Orbit gum also offers several chewing gum options containing xylitol, including:
– Orbit Cinnamon Xylitol
– Orbit Spearmint Xylitol
– Orbit Peppermint Xylitol
– Orbit Sweet Mint Xylitol
– Orbit Bubblemint Xylitol
Extra
Extra gum has a line called Extra Xylitol for cavity protection. Flavors include:
– Extra Peppermint Xylitol
– Extra Spearmint Xylitol
– Extra Cinnamon Xylitol
Pur
Pur gum contains 100% xylitol as the sweetener in all of their gums. Flavors include:
– Pur Peppermint
– Pur Spearmint
– Pur Cinnamon
– Pur Fruit
– Pur Rain Forest Mint
Spry
Spry gum is another brand with 100% xylitol in all of their gums. They offer the following xylitol gum flavors:
– Spry Peppermint
– Spry Cinnamon
– Spry Spearmint
– Spry Fruit
– Spry Bubblegum
Hager & Werken
Hager & Werken is a German brand offering xylitol chewing gums. Their xylitol gum flavors include Black Mint, Fresh Fruit, and Cinnamon.
Mentos
– Mentos Pure Fresh Chewing Gum with Xylitol
– Mentos Xylitol Chewing Gum Cubaanse
– Mentos Xylitol Chewing Gum Acerola
Freedent
Freedent makes xylitol chewing gums in the UK. They have Original Mint, Spearmint, and Fruit flavored xylitol gums.
Xylitol gum brands comparison
| Brand | Xylitol Gum Options |
|---|---|
| Trident | Trident Xylitol, Trident Xylitol Mint, Trident Xylitol Cinnamon, Trident Xylitol Spearmint, Trident Xylitol Bubble Gum |
| Orbit | Orbit Cinnamon Xylitol, Orbit Spearmint Xylitol, Orbit Peppermint Xylitol, Orbit Sweet Mint Xylitol, Orbit Bubblemint Xylitol |
| Extra | Extra Peppermint Xylitol, Extra Spearmint Xylitol, Extra Cinnamon Xylitol |
| Pur | Pur Peppermint, Pur Spearmint, Pur Cinnamon, Pur Fruit, Pur Rain Forest Mint |
| Spry | Spry Peppermint, Spry Cinnamon, Spry Spearmint, Spry Fruit, Spry Bubblegum |
| Hager & Werken | Black Mint, Fresh Fruit, Cinnamon |
| Mentos | Mentos Pure Fresh Chewing Gum with Xylitol, Mentos Xylitol Chewing Gum Cubaanse, Mentos Xylitol Chewing Gum Acerola |
| Freedent | Original Mint, Spearmint, Fruit |
As you can see, most major gum brands like Trident, Orbit, and Extra offer xylitol gum options. There are also smaller niche brands like Pur and Spry that use 100% xylitol in all their gums. This provides many choices for finding a xylitol chewing gum you’ll enjoy.
FAQs about xylitol chewing gum
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about chewing gum with xylitol:
How much xylitol is in typical chewing gums?
Most major gum brands include about 0.25-0.35 grams of xylitol per piece of gum. To get the maximum dental benefits, you want at least 1 gram of xylitol per chewing session. This equates to chewing at least 3-4 pieces of gum with xylitol.
Some gums like Pur and Spry contain 1 gram or more of xylitol per piece, so you’d only need to chew 1-2 pieces to get the optimal dosage. Check the nutrition labels to see how much xylitol is in each gum.
When should I chew xylitol gum?
Chewing xylitol gum is most effective at increasing saliva flow and preventing cavities when you chew immediately after eating or drinking. Try to chew xylitol gum for 5-10 minutes after meals and snacks to wash away food debris and neutralize acids produced by oral bacteria.
Chewing xylitol gum 3-5 times per day is recommended for maximum dental benefits. The more frequently you chew xylitol gum, the better protection it can provide for your teeth.
Is xylitol gum 100% xylitol?
Most mainstream chewing gums with xylitol also contain other sweeteners and ingredients like gum base, softeners, colors, and flavors. The xylitol content is typically 20-35% of the gum.
Some niche xylitol gum brands like Pur and Spry do contain 100% xylitol as the sole sweetener and gum base as the only other ingredient. So if you want 100% xylitol gum, look for those specialty brands.
Does xylitol gum help remineralize teeth?
There is some evidence that xylitol can help remineralize tooth enamel by enhancing calcium absorption. The exact mechanism is still being researched, but chewing xylitol gum is thought to stimulate release of minerals like calcium and phosphate to strengthen teeth.
Xylitol also inhibits bacteria that create acids that demineralize tooth enamel. Reducing these acids helps maintain mineral integrity in the teeth. More studies are still needed, but the current evidence looks promising for xylitol’s remineralization effects.
Is xylitol gum addictive?
There is no evidence that xylitol is physically or psychologically addictive. Some people report chewing xylitol gum frequently throughout the day because they enjoy the flavor and dental health benefits. But xylitol does not have any chemically addictive properties in the body or brain.
Tips for finding good xylitol gum
Here are a few tips to find a quality xylitol chewing gum that you’ll enjoy:
– Check the nutrition label for the xylitol content per piece of gum. Look for at least 0.25-0.35 grams per piece.
– Pick flavors you find tasty – you’ll be more likely to chew the gum often. Mint and fruit flavors are typically popular.
– Look for all-natural gums without artificial colors or sweeteners. This ensures you’re getting high quality xylitol gum.
– Try different brands. The texture and flavor profiles vary between brands, so sample a few to find your favorites.
– Buy from reputable brands and stores. Be wary of no-name gums with questionable ingredients and quality control.
– Consider 100% xylitol gums for maximum dental benefits, but they can be pricier.
– Check expiration dates and store properly sealed at room temperature. Xylitol gum lasts about 18 months sealed.
Conclusion
Chewing gum with xylitol offers oral health benefits for preventing cavities, remineralizing enamel, and stimulating saliva. There are many excellent xylitol gum options across major gum brands like Trident, Orbit, Extra and niche brands like Pur and Spry. Look at xylitol content, flavors, ingredients and brand reputation to find a quality xylitol gum to suit your needs and preferences. Chew xylitol gum after meals and snacks to get the maximum protective effects for your teeth and gums.
