Suggested xylitol regimens for adults and children so to create optimal anti-cavity protection.

Suggested xylitol dose ranges for adults and children.

There is no authority source that has made a formal recommendation in regards to what amount of xylitol should be considered to be an appropriate daily dosing for optimal anti-cavity protection. Because of this, one must evaluate research articles that have been published and subsequently draw a conclusion from them. Towards this type of overview, we have collected information and present it in tabular form on the following pages.

It's not just a question about quantity.

Once you have read the pages above, it should be easy enough for you to determine an appropriate xylitol dosing for both you and the members of your family. There are, however, a few additional points you need to understand when formulating your regimen. Please take the time to read the remainder of this page so your use of xylitol will be as effective and uneventful as possible.

Xylitol consumption should be spread out throughout the day.

Xylitol's anti-cavity protection is created by way of the effect it has on the bacteria that live in dental plaque. Related to this fact, researchers have found that xylitol produces its maximum benefit when its consumption is divided into multiple doses spread throughout the day, so to maximize the total amount of time the bacteria are exposed to it.

Milgrom (2006) compared the effects of varied daily regimens in regards to their effect on cariogenic bacteria (the types of bacteria that cause tooth decay). All study participants received the same total quantity of xylitol but broken up into two, three, or four administrations throughout the day. Of these, it was found that the four-dose regimen had the greatest effect on populations of cariogenic bacteria.

Larger amounts of xylitol do not necessarily create a greater level of protection.

Anyone who plans to use xylitol needs to understand that beyond a certain level, consuming yet larger quantities of xylitol will not create a greater degree of cavity protection. Instead is will simply place the person at greater risk for experiencing gastrointestinal side effects.

This plateau effect is easily demonstrated by comparing the results of two of the early xylitol studies performed in Turku, Finland in the 1970's. One of these studies involved a consumption level on the order of 67 grams per day whereas the other evaluated a 6.7-gram per day exposure. Despite this tenfold difference in consumption both studies reported a similar reduction in tooth decay rates (on the order of 80 to 85 percent).

Side effects associated with xylitol use will vary with the individual and will probably be found to be dose related.

If a person experiences side effects in association with their xylitol consumption, they will most likely be gastrointestinal in nature. Diarrhea, flatulence, nausea or stomach cramps, all minor in nature, are the most common.

In the case that these types of effects are noticed, one can usually sidestep them by way of either reducing their total daily consumption or per serving amount. And although any side effects that are noticed typically just run on the order of being a nuisance, it makes sense that when first starting out to opt for a lower xylitol dosing first. Then, over time, edge your exposure upward towards the point where you feel your consumption should be.

It takes time to create an optimal level of tooth decay protection.

Xylitol's optimal anti-cavity effects are not realized instantaneously. It takes time for it to have its effect on the cariogenic bacteria that live in dental plaque. An appropriate regimen needs to be continued for at least six months, and preferably a year, before optimal cavity prevention effects can be assumed to exist.

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