Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in plants, including many fruits and vegetables. It has a sweet taste and is often used as a sugar substitute.

Xylitol tastes sweet but, unlike sugar, it doesn't cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. It's widely used in "sugar-free" chewing gums, mints, and other candies.

In the US, products that contain xylitol are allowed to state that they reduce the risk of cavities. People also use xylitol to prevent tooth plaque, ear infections, dry mouth, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Xylitol can be toxic to dogs. If your dog eats a product that contains xylitol, take them to a veterinarian immediately.

Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for

Cavities. Using xylitol-containing products in the mouth, such as chewing gum, candies, and toothpaste reduces the risk for cavities in adults and children 5 years and older. It's unclear if it helps prevent cavities in children younger than 5 years old.

Possibly Effective for

Ear infection (otitis media). Giving xylitol-containing products such as chewing gum, lozenges, or syrups daily after meals to preschool children seems to reduce the risk of ear infections. But giving xylitol right after a respiratory infection has started doesn't seem to prevent ear infections.

There is interest in using xylitol for several other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Xylitol is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used in chewing gums, candies, lozenges, toothpaste, and mouth rinses in amounts up to about 50 grams daily. It might cause diarrhea and gas in some people.

Taking high doses of xylitol is possibly unsafe. Using very high doses long-term might cause tumors.