What Exactly Is Xylitol And Why Is It Used In Baby Toothpaste?

Xylitol may sound like a character from science fiction, but it’s actually a naturally occurring sweetener that tastes just like sugar. But unlike the nation’s favourite sweet substance, Xylitol is good for your teeth!

When sugar was in short supply after WWII, German chemist Emil Fisher discovered this magic tooth decay fighting substance. Although little was known about its dental benefits until the 1970s, Xylitol has become one of the dental industry’s go-to substances.

Derived from birch and beech trees, Xylitol can now be found in everything from toothpaste to chewing gum and mints. Read on to find out more about the wonders of Xylitol:

How does Xylitol work?

It goes without saying that food and drink are essential for survival, but every time you eat or drink, sugars and acids are left to coat the surface of your teeth and gums. When these acidic sugars mix with the naturally occurring plaque and bacteria in your mouth, your pH levels are affected in your mouth. Over time, this can erode the hard outer layer of enamel of your teeth and lead to cavities and tooth decay.

When you include Xylitol in both your little ones and your oral hygiene routine, the substance not only neutralises harmful plaque acids, but it prevents them from starting in the first place! Essentially, Xylitol works as a powerful shield against bacteria and plaque and kills up to 90% of the bacteria responsible for dental decay. In short, Xylitol is a magic ingredient!

Benefits of Xylitol

Food and drink are more available than ever before. Whether you pop into your local supermarket for your weekly shop, get a delivery to your front door or sit down in your local cafe, you can eat as much as you like, pretty much whenever you like!

While you might be freely snacking - healthily or unhealthily - your teeth are at higher risk as a result. But when you use Xylitol as part of your tooth care regime (including sugar-free gums and mints), this is what you can expect:

Fresher breath
A positive change in your mouth’s environment
Teeth remain healthy during and after eating and drinking

So for added tooth protection, make sure you include a Xylitol-rich toothpaste or use one of our specially formulated Dental Wipes to keep your little one’s teeth and gums healthy.

Xylitol infant toothpaste, baby gum wipes and more

Whether you’ve cracked your little one’s oral health routine, brushing baby's first tooth or you’re just getting started, there are plenty of easy ways to include Xylitol in their daily routine.

Baby Dental Wipes & Brush Baby Teething Wipes

Baby tooth care can start as early as possible for your little one, and one of the best ways to get started is when they are still showing off their beautifully gummy smiles! Not only are our Baby Dental Wipes and Brush Baby Teething Wipes incredibly convenient and comfortable, but they are also infused with Xylitol. Keeping your baby’s delicate gums has never been simpler.

Simply wipe your tot’s gums after each feed to remove all those milky sugary deposits. They will quickly get used to the sensation, and hey presto, you’ve begun your little one’s oral hygiene journey!

Brush Baby Toothpaste

Choosing the right toothpaste for your little one’s developing mouth can be tricky. With so many flavours to pick from, finding the one that works best for your tot’s flavour palette takes a bit of trial and error. However, where Xylitol is concerned, you can find the best baby toothpaste for your babe from our great toothpaste collection:

Step 2 Babies & Tots (0-2 years):

From gentle applemint to strawberry, your little one will love the soft flavours of our Step 2 baby and toddler toothpastes. Whether you want to opt for enamel strengthing fluoride or fluoride-free, sugar fighting Xylitol is an active ingredient in all of our milk teeth toothpastes.

With additional soothing chamomile for teething tots, your little one can reap all the benefits!

Step 3 Kids (3+ years):

Whether you want to introduce your growing child to mild spearmint flavours or want to continue with soft strawberry, each of our Step 3 toothpastes has all the foaming action required for plaque removal aided by, you’ve guessed it, Xylitol!

It’s time to fight bacteria!

Ok, so by now, you’ve realised that Xylitol is a fantastic addition to your little one’s oral hygiene journey. Not only does it create a plaque-fighting biofilm on the teeth, but it encourages the deeper layers of your tot’s teeth to remineralise. Combined with fluoride, both ingredients will ensure that each tooth’s outer and deeper layers are strengthened, inside and out!

Are you ready to keep bacteria at bay and build a healthy oral care routine into your tot’s life?

Well, let’s get started! Make sure you include Xylitol in your little one’s daily toothbrushing routine and fight the plaque!