Frequently Asked Questions
What is xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from natural sources. It is also produced in the human body as a by-product of a normal metabolism. Spry's xylitol is of the highest quality possible. It is a pharmaceutical grade, meaning it must be more that 99.95% pure, and is made from non-GMO (non-genetically modified organism) corn fibers. It does not contain any of the corn grain and it is tested to ensure that no corn allergens, mycotoxins, or corn proteins of any type are in the product.

How does xylitol differ from other sweeteners?
Chemically speaking, xylitol is not actually a sugar, but a sugar alcohol. It differs from other sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose and glucose because its molecule has five, instead of six, carbon atoms. Most bacteria and yeast in the mouth are unable to make use of xylitol. It is much sweeter than sorbitol, for instance. Assessed in terms of calories, xylitol's sweetening power is the same as that of sucrose (table sugar), but with 40% fewer calories. Xylitol is important because it may help to reduce the risk of tooth decay, and everyone interested in healthy teeth should be familiar with its properties and effects.

Where does xylitol occur in nature?
Xylitol occurs in small amounts in natural form, especially in fruit, berries, vegetables and mushrooms. For example raspberry, strawberry, yellow plum and endive contain xylitol. Xylitol is also found in human tissues.

Is xylitol safe for sugar-controlled diets?
Yes. Classified on labels as a carbohydrate, it has been used in foods since the 1960's and is approved in the U.S. as a food additive in unlimited quantity for foods with special dietary purposes and is safe for use in any sugar-controlled diet.

Where was xylitol discovered?
Xylitol was discovered almost simultaneously by German and French chemists in the late 19th century. In the Soviet Union it has been used for decades as a sweetener for diabetics, and in Germany in solutions for intravenous feeding. Its dental significance was researched in Finland in the early 1970's, when scientists at Turku University showed it had significant dental benefits.

Is xylitol safe?
Yes it is. In 1983, JECFA, a joint expert committee of WHO and FAO, confirmed the fact, already known by scientists that it is a safe sweetener for foods. The FDA also confirmed this fact in 1986.

How much xylitol should one eat per day?
Xylitol is a natural and convenient way of keeping your mouth healthy. Research shows that a mere 4 to 5 exposures per day is enough. Xylitol should be chewed immediately after a meal or a snack. If you eat more snacks, you of course need more frequent help from xylitol.

Why Use Xylitol?
Xylitol has a wide variety of uses and benefits, from improving the health of your teeth to maintaining upper respiratory health. When properly used, Xylitol may help reduce the incidence of tooth decay.

Frequent eating of foods high in sugars and starches can promote tooth decay. Xylitol may reduce the risk of tooth decay. Many large-scale clinical studies have shown it to have long-lasting dental benefits. Over 25 years of clinical testing confirms that xylitol is the best sweetener for teeth, which has led to official endorsements by dental associations in Finland, Norway, Sweden, England, Ireland, Estonia and the Netherlands of products containing high levels of this sweetener.

It's Natural. Xylitol is right here, inside, already. Our bodies produce from 5 to 10 grams every day from other food sources using established energy pathways. It is not a strange or artificial substance, but a natural, normal part of everyday metabolism. It is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts, with some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms, lettuce, hardwoods, and corncobs.

In the amounts clinically proven to provide amazing oral health benefits (less than 15 grams per day), it is safe for everyone, and can be conveniently delivered to your teeth via chewing gum, tablets, toothpaste, mouthwash, or even candy. You can implement your xylitol program anywhere, anytime. It fits right in with the most frantic schedules. If chewing is uncomfortable, xylitol mints or candies can also stimulate saliva, the natural tooth protector. You don't need to change your normal routine to make room for xylitol.

Xlear, Inc. is recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of xylitol products. Xlear, Inc. is committed to providing consumers with the health benefits of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener, by manufacturing all-natural, health-enhancing products. Xlear Nasal Spray is an award-winning, patented saline and xylitol solution; a complete line of dental health products under the Spry Dental Defense System brand; XyloSweet, raw xylitol crystals used as a sugar substitute in cooking, baking and general consumption; and SparX Candy, a growing line of healthy, xylitol based candies.  Xlear Inc. was founded in June of 2000 to launch the company's first commercially available product, Xlear Nasal Spray. Since that time, Xlear has grown to be recognized as an industry leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high-quality, all natural xylitol products.

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