Tag Archives: dental health

Xylitol in sugar free gum prevents cavities

Myth or Medical Miracle?

Myth! Many popular brands of sugar free gum contain the natural sweetener, xylitol, which is known to fight the bacteria that causes cavities. Although there is evidence that sugar-free gum helps prevent cavities, additives such as xylitol are not responsible, according to a recent study. Interestingly, researchers found that the act of chewing gum is what reduces cavities, perhaps by increasing the secretion of saliva. But, don’t grab for the sugar-laden gum-the sugar still causes tooth-decay and no amount of chewing can deny that!

A recentNew York Times article talked about their surprising findings!