QUESTION:

If I add granular xylitol to my beverages, will I get the same benefits as from Zellie’s mints?

ANSWER:
When you add xylitol crystals to beverages, you miss out on many of the oral health benefits. While you can certainly use granular xylitol in many ways to benefit oral health, it must be done properly. At the same time, there are advantages to using granular xylitol in cooking, baking, and sweetening beverages – however improved oral health is not one in those particular circumstances.

There are some good reasons to dissolve xylitol in water or even in other beverages. For example a solution of xylitol can be a wonderful way to clean the teeth of infants.

Adding xylitol to water can also be used for some people who cannot take mints or gum – sometimes an Alzheimer's patient, for example. Xylitol in solution will continue to be useful as it works as a prebiotic to feed the good mouth bacteria and it can help limit plaque.

1. Works as a prebiotic to feed healthy oral bacteria.

2. Helps make plaque slippery - so it more easily washes off your teeth.

HYGROSCOPIC EFFECTS OF XYLITOL
The part you will miss if you consume xylitol in water is its " hygroscopic " effect. As you put a xylitol mint in your mouth it creates a fluid pull– moving saliva from the small salivary glands in the roof of your mouth to flow around your mouth. The specific mix in this kind of saliva is ideal to help heal and strengthen your teeth and gums. You do not get this effect when you mix xylitol into a drink, or swish xylitol around your mouth for an extended time. People who suggest the idea that the longer you have xylitol in your mouth the better, do not understand the benefits of this specific hygroscopic concept. It is this interaction with saliva that heals and strengthens teeth and gums.

THE MULTIPLE BENEFITS OF XYLITOL
Frequent small amounts of xylitol at the end of meals and drinks gives you multiple benefits. You can allow the mint to dissolve or crunch it up. The gum just needs to be in your mouth for a few minutes – until the xylitol has dissolved – it is the xylitol that does its work! Within a second or two you should notice a flow of saliva entering your mouth! This is the healing liquid for your gums and teeth. Try to allow time for this saliva to bathe your mouth undiluted by any more food or drinks. Used in this way xylitol stimulates your own saliva to:

1. Limit acidic damage caused by drinking coffee and other foods and drinks.

2. Bring minerals to strengthen, heal and beautify your teeth.

3. Bring immune cells to help heal gums and keep the mucosal skin of your mouth healthy.

You do not get this assistance by adding xylitol to water or coffee, or baking it into cakes and cookies. For maximum oral health benefits enjoy a couple of mints at the end of meals and after drinks. Then try not eat or drink anything for 30-60 minutes afterward.......not a sip of water (because it will dilute this healing saliva).

FAMILY DOSAGE
Zellie's mints and gum are delicious and are crafted for oral health. They contain an exact amount of pure xylitol - so you will know how much to consume each day. Studies indicate that an adult will need at least 3 grams per day to notice oral health improvements. Studies show adults should ideally aim for 5-10 grams a day to improve oral health. For Zellie’s products this works out to be (1-2 pieces gum) or (2-4 mints) x 5 daily.

The effective amount for children 3- 6 years old is around 3 grams per day. 

For an infant, any amount appears helpful and frequency of application is beneficial. Aim to wipe erupting baby teeth x3-x5 daily with a little xylitol in solution. Learn more about how to effectively care for baby teeth with xylitol.

One piece of gum = Two mints = 1 gram (= 1/5th teaspoon granular xylitol crystals).