Xylitol in Toothpaste:
What is It and Why is it In Our Toothpaste?
Why Xylitol Is the Unsung Hero of Your Oral Health – and Why We Use It in Coral Toothpaste
At first glance, xylitol might seem like a strange ingredient to find in your toothpaste. After all, it’s a sugar substitute — and toothpaste isn’t meant to be eaten. Plus, sugar substitutes often have a controversial reputation, especially when it comes to diet sodas and processed foods.
But xylitol is different.It’s the only sugar substitute known to actively benefit your oral health — not just pass through your body or "do less harm" like others.
In fact, xylitol does more than sweeten toothpaste. It works alongside other ingredients to create a healthier, stronger smile.
Let’s explore why Coral Toothpaste uses xylitol — and why your mouth will thank you for it.
What Is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol found in fruits, vegetables, and the bark of birch trees. Although the name might sound synthetic, it’s 100% naturally derived. The term "xylitol" simply means "wood sugar alcohol," combining the Greek word xylo (wood) with the chemical suffix -itol (sugar alcohol).
Unlike regular sugar, xylitol has:
- Fewer calories
- Minimal impact on blood sugar
- Lower carbohydrate content
It’s often used to sweeten sugar-free gum, candies, and health foods like protein bars and keto snacks — offering a naturally sweet taste without the drawbacks of traditional sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Why Toothpaste Needs a Sweetener
While toothpaste isn’t meant to be eaten, it does spend a couple of minutes in your mouth twice a day. Without a little sweetness, brushing would be a lot less enjoyable — and people might be tempted to cut their sessions short.
Xylitol makes toothpaste taste better naturally — without introducing harmful sugars.But here’s the real magic: Xylitol doesn’t just improve the taste. It actively improves your oral health.
Xylitol vs. Sucralose vs. Aspartame: Why Xylitol Wins
Not all sugar substitutes are created equal.
- Aspartame is a fully artificial sweetener made from amino acids. It’s calorie-free but can cause bloating and digestive discomfort in some people.
- Sucralose (brand name: Splenda) is a modified sugar molecule that removes calories but doesn’t add any real health benefits.
While neither aspartame nor sucralose directly harm your teeth, neither help them, either.
Xylitol stands apart. It’s natural, safe, and scientifically proven to strengthen your oral defenses against cavities and decay.
Is Xylitol Safe?
For humans, absolutely.
Xylitol is widely recognized as safe by regulatory agencies worldwide. In toothpaste, the amount you’re exposed to is very small — nowhere near enough to cause any side effects. Even when consumed in foods or gum, the only minor concern at very high doses is potential mild digestive discomfort.
For pets, no.
Xylitol can be extremely toxic to dogs, so always keep xylitol-containing products out of your pet’s reach. Never brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste — use only products made specifically for pets.
How to Get More Xylitol Protection Throughout the Day
You don’t have to stop with just brushing.
Chewing sugar-free gum sweetened with xylitol after meals can further protect your teeth between brushings. It helps neutralize mouth acids, removes food debris, and keeps that protective xylitol film on your enamel.
If gum isn’t your thing, xylitol mints work just as well.
Simply let one dissolve slowly in your mouth after eating to keep your oral environment balanced and bacteria at bay.
Why Coral Toothpaste Chooses Xylitol
At Coral Toothpaste, we believe nature knows best.
We chose xylitol because it supports your body’s natural defenses — without introducing anything artificial, controversial, or unnecessary.
It sweetens your brushing experience naturally, protects your teeth naturally, and encourages enamel healing — naturally.
When you brush with Coral, you’re not just cleaning your teeth — you’re building a foundation for a healthier smile.
Sources:
- How Xylitol Is Made – Xylitol.org
- Everything You Need to Know About Sucralose – Food Insight
- Paws Off Xylitol: It's Dangerous for Dogs – FDA