Can I just use the brand name “sugarless gum” that says it includes xylitol?
Many well-known brands of sugarless gum contain a little xylitol, but the main ingredient is usually sorbitol combined with a number of other artificial sweeteners. Harmful strep mutans learn to process sorbitol by the third piece of gum, and with energy from the sorbitol can grow and thicken. Sorbitol and these other artificial sweeteners often cause gastric problems (gas and bloating) at very low dosage. Look for xylitol products that contain as much xylitol as possible and preferably candies and chewing gum sweetened with 100 percent xylitol. Learn more.
