Long-term use of Xylitol seems to have a persistent protective effect by modifying the oral flora. In the short term, it poisons S. mutans, and in the long term, strains that evolve resistance seem to be less virulent.
Xylitol seems to be a source of oxalic acid. I don’t know if it metabolized into that form by the body or gut microbiome, or both, but it definitely shows up in urine. It says “Excessive use may cause laxative effects” on the bag of chewing gum, but I think oxalic acid is a much bigger concern with potential for long term damage to kidneys and joints. Highly processed vegetable rich diets might already contain excessive amounts, especially for people with gut problems and fat malabsorption.
If were talking about easy adjustments to fight caries, how about switching to porridge based breakfast (in place of cereals or muesli) and opting for 100% oat bread instead of dry white bread. This in my experience has a big effect on how much and for how long starchy matter adheres to fissures in teeth.
(I feel like I’m betraying Finland by attacking xylitol. I’m making up for that by talking up oats and porridge.)
Long-term use of Xylitol seems to have a persistent protective effect by modifying the oral flora. In the short term, it poisons S. mutans, and in the long term, strains that evolve resistance seem to be less virulent.
Xylitol seems to be a source of oxalic acid. I don’t know if it metabolized into that form by the body or gut microbiome, or both, but it definitely shows up in urine. It says “Excessive use may cause laxative effects” on the bag of chewing gum, but I think oxalic acid is a much bigger concern with potential for long term damage to kidneys and joints. Highly processed vegetable rich diets might already contain excessive amounts, especially for people with gut problems and fat malabsorption.
If were talking about easy adjustments to fight caries, how about switching to porridge based breakfast (in place of cereals or muesli) and opting for 100% oat bread instead of dry white bread. This in my experience has a big effect on how much and for how long starchy matter adheres to fissures in teeth.
(I feel like I’m betraying Finland by attacking xylitol. I’m making up for that by talking up oats and porridge.)
In humans? I saw no mention of oxalic acid in what I found on Xylitol metabolism. Do you have a reference?
Maybe https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8345042/ (referenced by https://karger.com/cre/article/53/5/491/86395/Oral-and-Systemic-Effects-of-Xylitol-Consumption)?