Xylitol – Is Birch Sugar in Tooth Powder Healthy or Dangerous?
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Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, is no longer just an insider tip in the world of oral care but has established itself as a popular alternative to conventional toothpaste. But what’s really behind this sweet white substance? And is xylitol truly as healthy as it is often claimed to be?
What is Xylitol and What is it Made Of?
Xylitol was once derived from the bark of birch trees—hence the name “birch sugar.” However, times have changed: today, xylitol is mass-produced industrially, no longer from birch bark but from alternative sources such as corncob residues. This makes production significantly cheaper and more efficient, but it also means that xylitol is just as highly processed as other types of sugar.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly used in “sugar-free” chewing gums, candies, and even toothpastes. Compared to regular sugar, xylitol has about 40% fewer calories and has less impact on blood sugar levels. Sounds almost too good to be true, right?
Xylitol in Tooth Powder: A Healthy Alternative to Toothpaste?
The magic phrase is: sugar-free oral care. Tooth powder with xylitol is now trending as a gentle and effective alternative to traditional toothpaste. Xylitol is said to help prevent the growth of cavity-causing bacteria—without the need for chemical additives.
Regular sugar is the main source of nourishment for cavity-causing bacteria. These bacteria convert sugar into harmful acids that attack tooth enamel and strip essential minerals from the teeth. The result: weakened teeth and cavities.
By contrast, xylitol (birch sugar) cannot be metabolized by these bacteria. They are unable to convert it into acid, effectively depriving them of their ability to cause damage. Additionally, xylitol has antibacterial properties that reduce bacterial growth in dental plaque. In this way, xylitol naturally helps protect against cavities and promotes oral health.
Is Xylitol Harmful to Humans and Animals?
Now we come to the big “but”: xylitol is not as harmless as it may seem at first glance. While xylitol is generally safe for humans in small amounts, it poses a serious risk to pets—especially dogs. Xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release in dogs, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). In the worst cases, it can even be fatal. Even small amounts can be deadly for dogs, so it’s crucial to keep xylitol-containing products like chewing gum and sugar-free sweets well out of reach!
Test Results: How Do Xylitol Products Perform?
Studies on xylitol-containing tooth powders show that they can indeed be an effective method for cavity prevention. However, a study published in the European Heart Journal raises concerns about potential health risks beyond oral health.
The study investigated whether consuming xylitol increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Researchers analyzed blood samples from over 3,300 cardiovascular patients who were given xylitol over a specific period. The results were alarming: participants with high xylitol concentrations in their blood had a significantly higher incidence of strokes, heart attacks, or even death within three years. The study found that high levels of xylitol increased the risk of severe cardiovascular events by 57%.
Conclusion: Xylitol in Tooth Powder – SCHETTLERs Tooth Powder Doesn’t Need It!
Xylitol is more than just a sweet sugar alternative. In tooth powders, it can contribute to oral health—but at what potential cost? While xylitol is effective in reducing bacterial growth in the mouth, it may also carry risks for cardiovascular health, and it is outright dangerous for dogs.
So, what do we learn from these studies? Although the research suggests a possible link between xylitol and increased risk of stroke, thrombosis, or heart attack, a definitive cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven. More studies are needed to confirm these findings. Perhaps the safest choice is simply to drastically reduce sugar consumption altogether and avoid artificial substitutes.
The best part? SCHETTLERs Tooth Powder doesn’t need xylitol at all! The natural minerals in our formula already have antibacterial properties, effectively reducing bacterial levels in the mouth without the need for xylitol—which means no cavities, no unnecessary additives, and no risks!
Sources:
https://www.test.de/Suessungsmittel-Birkenzucker-Xylit-koennte-Herzprobleme-beguenstigen-6131268-0/
https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/ernaehrung/lebensmittel/alternative-suessungsmittel/xylitol
