first dental visit
702-586-4347
REQUEST APPOINTMENT
Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm; Fri: 8am-1pm; Sat: by appt only
5745 S Fort Apache Rd
702-586-4347
(855) 603-5592
Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry Las Vegas
REQUEST APPOINTMENT
702-586-4347
5745 S Fort Apache Rd
(855) 603-5592
702-586-4347
(855) 603-5592
color-bar
Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry Las Vegas
REQUEST APPOINTMENT
can xylitol help with preventing cavities

Can xylitol help with preventing cavities?

Eating foods with regular sugar fuels the bacteria in your mouth, helping them multiply and produce acids that attack and weaken tooth enamel—leading to decay.

For parents seeking healthier alternatives, xylitol is an excellent option. It’s safe, effective, and comes in convenient forms that both children and adults can enjoy.

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener found in the fibrous parts of plants. It helps protect teeth by making it harder for harmful bacteria to stick to the surface, reducing the risk of tooth decay.

How can xylitol help prevent cavities?

Just like we need food for energy to work and play, bacteria also need fuel to grow and multiply. They get this fuel from the sugar in the foods we eat. However, bacteria can’t use xylitol as fuel. Without it, they can’t grow or produce the acids that damage tooth enamel and cause cavities.

Xylitol also helps protect teeth by keeping the pH level in your mouth balanced. A healthy, neutral pH is essential for strong teeth and gums. Sugary snacks and drinks increase acidity, lowering the pH and creating the perfect environment for tooth decay—especially once it drops below 5.5. Unlike sugar, xylitol doesn’t break down into acids, helping your mouth stay at a safe, neutral pH.

What contains xylitol?

  • Xylitol occurs naturally in certain fruits and vegetables, including plums, strawberries, cauliflower, and pumpkin.
  • Today, it’s commonly added to sugar-free gums, candies, toothpastes, and mouthwashes.
  • It’s also available as a crystalline powder that looks and tastes much like regular sugar but with 40% fewer calories.

You can use it as a substitute anywhere you’d normally use sugar—such as in coffee, tea, or baked goods. Xylitol is safe for people with diabetes, as well as for use during pregnancy and nursing, making it a versatile and healthy alternative.

For more details, see the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Guideline on Xylitol Use in Caries Prevention.

Preventing cavities is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, and while xylitol can be a helpful addition, it’s not a substitute for good dental habits. Along with eating a balanced diet, brushing for two minutes twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular checkups at Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry, using xylitol products can further support your child’s oral health.

If you have any questions about cavity prevention or the benefits of xylitol, give us a call at: (702) 586-4347

We build personal relationships in a fun & caring environment to improve dental health!

first dental visit

If you have any questions regarding your child’s dental health call our office and the team at Sorenson Pediatric Dentistry will help answer any questions you might have.

Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today: (702)586-4347