Xylimelts
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.
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Epic, Spry, XyliMelts, XyliDENT |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Sugar alcohol |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Over-the-counter |
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Pros and cons of Xylitol
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
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 for Xylitol
- 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).
- For best results, consider using xylitol chewing gum for 20 minutes right after each meal to prevent tooth decay.
- 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.
Xylitol dosage
How much does Xylitol cost?
$16.60
