We all know that sugar has a bad reputation. Luckily, there have been many replacements found for sugar such as xylitol. So we all know how sugar is used it is in almost everything, but you can easily replace it as xylitol can be used in almost anything too. You can put it in cakes, coffee, and you can find it even in some chewing gums. Now there are many pros and cons for both xylitol and sugar, so how do you know which one to use? Below we’ll go over the different benefits and disadvantages of both xylitol and sugar so you can decide for yourself which one is better for your teeth and gums as well as your overall health.

So let’s start with what you want to know the most, which one should you be consuming to avoid cavities and gum disease? The simple answer is xylitol. We all know what sugar has a big role in our diets and how big of a problem it can cause by making your teeth decay. It is a highly acidic substance that can easily erode your teeth if you consume too much of it. It strips the enamel and makes your teeth brittle and weak making it much easier for bacteria to erode them. Xylitol on the other hand has the opposite effect in the mouth, it is an alkaline food meaning it is not acidic at all. Consuming xylitol instead of sugar will actually help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Eating xylitol on a regular basis will actually neutralize acidity in your mouth making it difficult for bacteria to grow and spread.

Another thing that can become a serious health risk is your blood sugar levels. While sugar does give you energy it does so in a way that is not necessarily good for you. Sugar breaks down quite quickly which makes your blood sugar levels spike really fast. When your blood sugar goes up your body responds by producing insulin, this over time can get worn out and can lead to decreased insulin production and diabetes. Xylitol on the other hand has a low GI value meaning that is has very little effect on your blood sugar levels and insulin. So many people who suffer from diabetes have turned to xylitol as an alternative to sugar in their diets. It has a lot less calories per gram compared to sugar and it is absorbed by the body a lot slower, meaning you don’t get those spikes in blood sugar that regular sugar can cause.

So at the end of the day most people want to know if xylitol is better for you than sugar, the short answer is yes. It is way better for your dental health including your teeth and gums. Don’t forget that xylitol is still a sweetener and too much of one is never good for you. You should always aim to have a balanced diet and active lifestyle. If you are someone who is looking to clean up their diet and enjoy a higher quality of life then you should consider switching to xylitol and break up with sugar for good.