provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content

Xylimelts

xylitol
Used for Dry Mouth
Used for Dry Mouth

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol. It's an ingredient found in many oral care products, such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and chewing gum. It's used to prevent cavities by stopping the growth of bad bacteria in your mouth. It also works to treat dry mouth by helping you produce more saliva. The amount of xylitol found in dental products isn't know to cause noticeable side effects. Xylitol-containing dental products are typically available over the counter without a prescription.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on February 11, 2024
BasicsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageCostAlternativesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Xylitol?

What is Xylitol used for?

  • Prevention of cavities (tooth decay)

  • Dry mouth

How Xylitol works

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that naturally occurs in some fruits and vegetables and is commonly used as a sweetener in foods. Xylitol is also used in certain dental products to prevent cavities by stopping the growth of certain bacteria in your mouth that break down your teeth. It's also used to treat dry mouth by helping you make more saliva.

Are you looking for information on sodium fluoride (Prevident) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsEpic, Spry, XyliMelts, XyliDENT
Drug ClassSugar alcohol
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityOver-the-counter
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$11.340
GoodRx discount
$11.34
See prices
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Xylitol

thumbs-up

Pros

Doesn't raise your blood sugar much, which is good for people with diabetes

Available over the counter without a prescription

Many formulations to choose from, such as gum, mouthwash, or mouth gel

thumbs-down

Cons

Can affect bowel movements, so might not be a good option for people with digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Needs to be taken multiple times a day to help with dry mouth

Harmful to dogs if they accidentally swallow it

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Xylitol

pharmacist

  • Different formulations of xylitol products have different age cut-offs and directions. Always read the package labels for instructions and age limits before using xylitol products on your child.

    • Some xylitol toothpastes contain sodium fluoride, which requires rinsing your mouth and spitting out after brushing. Make sure to supervise your child to prevent them from swallowing the toothpaste.

      • Some xylitol mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can be dangerous for children. In general, children under 6 years old shouldn't use mouthwash. Please follow the directions on the product or ask your dental provider if you have questions.

        • Don't replace brushing or flossing your teeth with xylitol chewing gum; it’s not meant to be a substitute. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends to brush your teeth twice a day with toothpaste that contains sodium fluoride and floss once a day to clean tooth plaque (bacteria between teeth).

          • Make sure to read the 'Instructions For Use' before using XyliMelts: Stick the tan side of the tablet on your teeth or gums. Use your tongue to adjust the placement of the tablet as needed. Once the tablet is in place, don't touch the tablet for 10 seconds to allow it to stick. If you need to use more than 1 tablet, place each tablet on a different side of the mouth.

            • Store xylitol up and away and out of reach and sight of your children or pets. This prevents them from accidentally swallowing medicine that was left out. Xylitol can be extremely harmful to dogs if they accidentally eat it. Always put your medications away every time you use it.

              • Throw away expired xylitol in regular trash (out of reach from children and pets). It might not work as well anymore.

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Xylitol

                How well does xylitol work for dry mouth?
                In a small, 2-week study, 45% of the people who used xylitol after recent radiation therapy noticed better saliva flow after 2 weeks of treatment. Another small study showed that many people experienced less dry mouth symptoms after a week of xylitol treatment. Keep in mind that people in both studies also used other products to help with dry mouth, so the results might not be from xylitol alone. If you have any questions about whether xylitol is right for you, follow up with your healthcare professional for more information.
                Is xylitol good for your teeth?
                It can be. Xylitol chewing gum can raise the amount of saliva, which helps to strengthen your teeth by washing away food debris and canceling out the acid that bacteria produce to cause cavities. It also helps your teeth take up important minerals (e.g., calcium and phosphate) to help strengthen tooth enamel. Talk with your dentist if you have more questions about how xylitol might affect your teeth.
                Is xylitol safe?
                Xylitol is safe for humans to use to treat dry mouth. Dry mouth is a potential side effect from certain medications, and xylitol is a safe solution to this problem. Chewing xylitol gum can also help prevent tooth decay; look for chewing gum products with an American Dental Association (ADA) seal which means it's met certain safety criteria. But store all xylitol products out of reach of pets because they can cause serious harm if swallowed by dogs.
                Does xylitol cause cancer?
                There's no evidence to suggest that xylitol causes cancer in humans.
                Does xylitol raise blood sugar?
                Even though xylitol tastes sweet, it actually doesn't raise your blood sugar too much. Xylitol is commonly used as a sweetener for people with high blood sugar or for people who want to avoid sugar. If you need help, please ask your pharmacist to help you find a xylitol product that's right for you.
                Does xylitol cause diarrhea?
                The amount of xylitol in dental products isn't likely to cause diarrhea. But if you consume a large amount food products containing xylitol, you might experience diarrhea as a side effect. Talk with your healthcare professional if you're concerned about side effects from xylitol.
                GoodRxEducationalIcon

                How to save using GoodRx

                Compare Prices
                1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                Select your free coupon
                2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                Show coupon to your pharmacist
                3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                Get free couponLearn more
                dosage

                Xylitol dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 carton of 40 melts of mild mint of Xylitol is $15.30 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is -34.98% off the average retail price of $11.34.
                carton
                Carton
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                40 melts of mild mint1 carton$15.30$15.30
                40 melts of slightly sweet1 carton$15.30$15.30

                Typical dosing for Xylitol

                Xylitol products made by different manufacturers might have different directions and age-cutoffs. To make sure you're taking this medication correctly, follow the specific product instructions on the package or talk with your healthcare professional or pharmacist about how to use it.

                Examples of some xylitol products include:

                • Xylitol toothpastes (Spry, Epic): Apply a thin ribbon onto a toothbrush and brush teeth thoroughly after each meal, typically twice a day or as directed by your dentist.

                • Xylitol mouthwash (Spry): Swish half of a capful in your mouth for 1 minute, then spit out. Use twice daily after brushing your teeth with toothpaste.

                • Xylitol mouth gel (Spry, XyliGel): Use a small amount of gel in your mouth following the specific product instructions on the package. Use as needed throughout the day or before bedtime.

                • Xylitol stick-on melts (XyliMelts): Place 1 tablet inside your mouth in between your gums and cheek on the side of your mouth. Let it dissolve. Take as needed throughout the day. Can take up to 2 tablets before bedtime as directed by your dental provider.

                • Xylitol chewing gum (Spry): Chew 1 piece by mouth throughout the day as needed after meals.

                drug-cost

                How much does Xylitol cost?

                To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
                Xylimelts (brand)
                GoodRx lowest price

                $15.30

                (save -34.98%)
                View prices & coupons
                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Xylitol?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Xylitol. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Xylitol
                Used for:

                • Prevention of cavities (tooth decay)

                • Dry mouth

                $11.34 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Sodium fluoride dental
                Used for:

                • Prevention of cavities (tooth decay)

                $7.87 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Pilocarpine (Salagen)
                Used for:
                $30.11 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

                Get savings updates for Xylitol

                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Xylitol and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                References

                Best studies we found

                American Dental Association. (n.d.). Chewing gum.

                American Dental Association. (2021). Mouthrinse (mouthwash).

                American Dental Association. (2022). Toothbrushes.

                View All References (20)

                Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About the PROTECT initiative.

                Epic Dental. (n.d.). Fluoride-free xylitol toothpaste, 4.9oz tube.

                Janakiram, C., et al. (2017). Xylitol in preventing dental caries: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Journal of Natural Science, Biology, and Medicine.

                Mäkinen, K. K. (2016). Gastrointestinal disturbances associated with the consumption of sugar alcohols with special consideration of xylitol: Scientific review and instructions for dentists and other health-care professionals. International Journal of Dentistry.

                Martín, M., et al. (2017). Products based on olive oil, betaine, and xylitol in the post-radiotherapy xerostomia. Reports of Practical Oncology and Radiotherapy.

                National Cancer Institute. (2023). Artificial sweeteners and cancer. 

                Nayak, P. A., et al. (2014). The effect of xylitol on dental caries and oral flora. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dentistry.

                OraCoat. (n.d.). OraCoat XyliGel - Citrus 1.7oz.

                OraCoat. (n.d.). OraCoat XyliMelts - Slightly sweet 80ct.

                Ribelles Llop, M., et al. (2010). Effects of xylitol chewing gum on salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and presence of Streptococcus mutans in saliva. European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry.

                Salli, K., et al. (2019). Xylitol’s health benefits beyond dental health: A comprehensive review. Nutrients.

                Ship, J. A., et al. (2007). Safety and effectiveness of topical dry mouth products containing olive oil, betaine, and xylitol in reducing xerostomia for polypharmacy-induced dry mouth. Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.

                U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Paws off xylitol; it’s dangerous for dogs.

                Ur-Rehman, S., et al. (2015). Xylitol: A review on bioproduction, application, health benefits, and related safety issues. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.

                Xlear. (n.d.). Kid’s bubble gum mouthwash.

                Xlear. (n.d.). Moisturizing mouth gel.

                Xlear. (n.d.). Natural xylitol gum.

                Xlear. (n.d.). Xylitol oral rinse.

                Xlear. (n.d.). Xylitol toothpaste, fluoride-free.

                Xylitol.org. (n.d.). How to use xylitol.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                Was this page helpful?

                Browse medications

                View All

                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.