Studies on xylitol
Xylitol has been used in medicine since the 1960s (Mäkinen, 1978). Its dental benefits were extensively studied in the 1970s in Turku, Finland, through the Turku Sugar Studies. These studies demonstrated xylitol's caries-inhibiting properties (Scheinin et al., 1975).
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Xylitol is officially recognized as a self-applied caries preventive agent.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) supports xylitol's use and The US FDA recognizes xylitol's benefits and supports the health claim "Xylitol may reduce the risk of dental caries/tooth decay" (2023).
EFSA, 2008
EFSA, 2008
European Food Safety Authority. (2008). Xylitol chewing gum/pastilles and reduction of the risk of tooth decay. The EFSA Journal, 852, 1- 16, https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2008.852
Scheinin et al., 1975
Scheinin et al., 1975
Scheinin, A., Mäkinen, K. K., Tammisalo, E., & Rekola, M. (1975). Turku sugar studies XVIII: Incidence of dental caries in relation to 1-year consumption of xylitol chewing gum, Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 33(5), 269-278, https://doi.org/10.3109/00016357509004632
AAPD, 2022
AAPD, 2022
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. (2022). Policy on use of xylitol in pediatric dentistry. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry,76-77.
Understanding xylitol
From small-sized products like chewing gum and pastilles, xylitol is well absorbed by the body and has efficient metabolic pathways.
Scientific evidence continues to support that daily xylitol intake (5–6g), as used for oral health, is safe and beneficial.​​
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​A recent study suggested a link between xylitol and increased cardiovascular risk, but the claim is misleading. According to Eva Söderling (Docent, Professor h.c., Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku) and Kauko Mäkinen (Professor Emeritus, University of Michigan and University of Turku), the study did not involve actual xylitol consumption. The study gave ten people 30g of xylitol in liquid form, causing a temporary increase in clotting tendency. This result is not surprising given the unrealistically high dose, which does not reflect typical xylitol use.
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