How does the addition of xylitol not counteract the growth of the good bacteria we're trying to support?Updated a month ago

Great question! It’s true that xylitol is well-known for suppressing harmful bacteria, like Streptococcus mutans, by disrupting their ability to ferment sugars and produce acids that contribute to tooth decay. However, xylitol is gentle on the beneficial bacteria we want to support. Here’s why: most of the good bacteria we want to promote don’t rely on fermenting sugars for growth, so xylitol doesn’t interfere with them. In fact, xylitol helps maintain a neutral pH in the mouth, creating an environment where the “good bugs” can thrive, while keeping the harmful bacteria in check. This way, xylitol works hand-in-hand with probiotics to promote a balanced, healthy oral microbiome.