Anti-Caries · Xylitol · CAS 87-99-0

Xylitol

C₅H₁₂O₅

A five-carbon sugar alcohol with a unique mechanism: S. mutans captures the molecule but cannot break it down and is depleted. Proven caries reduction of 30–60%.

QDRO position

We use it

Works synergistically with nano-HAp for remineralisation — reduces caries incidence by 30–60%.

Effective concentration

5–10%

Typical on market: 1–3%

What it is

Xylitol is a five-carbon sugar alcohol (pentitol). It occurs naturally in birch bark, fruit, berries, and vegetables. The industrial source for high-purity production is birch and beech bark. Finnish birch xylitol is considered the gold standard for purity.

Chemically, xylitol resembles glucose — enough to fool caries-causing bacteria.

How it works

The "false food" mechanism for S. mutans. Caries bacteria — primarily Streptococcus mutans — actively absorb xylitol, mistaking it for sugar. But they cannot break it down: they lack the enzyme xylitol-5-phosphate dehydrogenase. As the bacterium accumulates unmetabolized xylitol-5-phosphate inside the cell, it wastes energy and gradually becomes depleted.

With regular xylitol use, S. mutans strains in the biofilm are gradually displaced. Less aggressive commensal bacteria take their place — the microbiome composition improves.

Remineralization stimulation. Xylitol stimulates salivation, increasing the volume of buffering fluid in the oral cavity. More saliva means more calcium and phosphate available for enamel remineralization. Combined with nano-hydroxyapatite, this effect is amplified: xylitol increases mineral availability while nano-HAp delivers them directly to enamel defect sites.

Evidence base

More than 25 controlled clinical studies. Reduction in caries incidence:

30–60% at concentrations above 5% with 3+ applications per day
Transmission of caries bacteria from mother to child is reduced when mothers regularly chew xylitol gum

Important: the effective concentration threshold is 5%. Most pastes on the market contain 1–3% — insufficient for an antibacterial effect. QDRO uses therapeutic concentrations.

Source and sustainability

For QDRO we use Finnish birch xylitol — highest purity grade, produced from renewable raw materials. Finnish birch forests are certified under sustainable forestry standards.

Safety

Xylitol is safe for humans at recommended doses. It is not metabolized by bacteria, so it produces no acid in the oral cavity. It does not raise blood sugar levels (glycemic index = 7 versus 100 for glucose).

Important warning: xylitol is toxic to dogs — it causes a sharp drop in blood sugar in animals.