Can the natural sugar xylitol really reduce dental decay? A recent study seems to reinforce the theory. The alleged tooth-sparing effect of xylitol is based on the observation that the carried-causing bacterium, streptococcus mutans, can absorb xylitol but cannot metabolize it, actually causing bacteria levels to fall. The study involved 154 primary school children, who were given four Gummy Bears to eat three times daily during school hours. Gummy Bears contain xylitol or maltitol (also a sugar replacement). The children’s dental plaque was sampled before the study and after six weeks of eating the confectionary. A substantial reduction in levels of streptococcus mutans bacteria on the teeth was recorded after the six-week period.
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