Posts Tagged ‘cavity-free’

Sugarless does not mean cavity-free – usually. Most ‘sugarless’ products contain sorbitol and mannitol, sweeteners that bacteria can still grow on. But …

Xylitol is a cavity-free sweetener, and delicious candies are now available made with xylitol. That’s right. You can treat your loved one or teacher or friends – or yourself – to some tasty chocolates and not worry about your teeth in the process. Dr. John’s Candies, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, makes it possible to have a box of creamy chocolates that not only taste great, but are also a sugar-free healthy treat.

More about xylitol, click here.

Xylitol is perfectly safe for humans, but not for dogs. Did you know that grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are also harmful to dogs? See the ASPCA Poison Control Center info, click here.

The xylitol gum I’ve recommended for many years, Xylimax, is no longer available. In it’s place you can now get a comparable gum, Xponent gum from GlobalSweet.com.

 In addition, the xylitol mints, Smints, have been discontinued, and a Fragmints from GlobalSweet.com are a great replacement.

Xylitol is a naturally derived sweetener that does not cause cavities. Bacteria grow on other widely used sugar alternatives used by manufacturers, such as sorbitol and mannitol. You’ll notice that the commonly available “sugarless” products never say cavity-free. They’re sugarless because they don’t contain sucrose (sugar).

I’ve updated the links on for the gum and mints throughout my site.

Recently a patient asked my about the cavity-free xylitol gum I recommend, and in checking the link on my website I was amazed to find the link was down. The company that imported the gum from Finland is apparently no longer in business, and in fact the Finnish manufacturer was acquired by another larger confectionery company in 2008.