Xylitol

XYLITOL

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Xylitol (C₅H₁₂O₅) is my favorite organic molecule because it’s related to teeth and my career goal is to become a Dentist!  As I was reading and learning about Xylitol, it made me realize the importance of this molecule and the benefits of improving teeth. Xylitol has been used in the dental field for a long time because it prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth which results in fewer tooth decay. It is a natural sweetener derived from parts of plants and it’s known for being “good sugar” because it doesn’t break down like normal sugar (sucrose) and can help keep a neutral ph level in the mouth. For example, xylitol can prevent cavities and has many other health benefits that sugar doesn’t do. Less bacteria and less acid equals to heathy teeth!

Origin- Xylitol is a sugar alcohol. The name comes from Greek meaning, "wood" + suffix -itol, used to denote sugar alcohols. Xylitol is sweet as sucrose but has about 30% less calories. Industrial production starts from xylan which is extracted from hardwoods or corncobs and then hydrolyzed into xylose and then made into xylitol which we use it as a sweetener. It can also be naturally found in the fibers of fruits or vegetables and sugar canes. 



Use- The most common place to find xylitol is in chewing gum. It has a minty cooling taste which gives most gums that minty flavor. It’s also found in mouth wash and toothpaste to promote healthier teeth. Research has shown that the use of xylitol helps repair damage to the enamel. Dessert targeted for diabetics often contain xylitol because of its health benefits and low calories. 



Pictures
http://drecoaching.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/birch-trees.jpg
http://www.healthyfellow.com/images/2009/07/xylitol.jpg
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Article
Tanzer, JM  Xylitol Chewing Gum and Dental Caries. (1995): 65-76. Web. 30 Aug. 2014. <http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/7607747>.

Tanton, David. "Dental Benefits of Xylitol | Less Bacteria, Healthier Teeth." Xylitol Dental Benefits of Xylitol Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2014. <http://xylitol.org/xylitol-uses/dental-benefits-of-xylitol>