Xylitol
What is it?
Xylitol is naturally occurring and can be found in plants, fruits, and vegetables and is even produced in the human body by normal metabolism. Pure xylitol appears as a white crystalline substance that is very similar to table sugar.
What does it do?
Xylitol is a multifunctional ingredient. It imparts sweetness, releases a cooling sensation when it dissolves and does not promote tooth decay because it is non-fermentable by oral plaque bacteria.
How is it made?
Our Stewardship Model guides us to select ingredients which have been processed in a manner that supports our philosophy of human and environmental health.
The xylitol used in our toothpaste is produced either from birch tree or other hardwood pulp, or corn.
What are the alternatives?
There are alternative ingredients, including both natural and artificial sweeteners, that could impart many, but not all, of xylitol’s properties. We have chosen to use xylitol in several of our oral care products because of its natural and sustainable sources.
Is this the right option for me?
It has a long history of use in food dating back to the 1960's and is included in such products as chewing gum, syrup, toothpastes, mouthwashes and pharmaceuticals.
Tom’s of Maine recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with naturally derived ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.
