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Xylitol Gummy Bears

Posted on 04. Nov, 2008 by wisdom.

The tooth protecting sugar substitute xylitol has been incorporated into gummy bears to produce a sweet snack that may prevent dental problems. Giving children four of the xylitol bears three times a day during school hours results in a decrease in the plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is frequently used as a sweetener. It has been shown to reduce levels of the harmful mutans streptococci bacteria  known to cause tooth decay. Xylitol chewing gums are  not considered to be suitable for younger children.

A recent study demonstrates that six weeks of xylitol gummy bear snacking, the levels of harmful MS bacteria in the children’s plaque was significantly reduced.

However, I have seen studies and reports that dogs die from ingesting a small amount of xylitol. Thus I do not think that these xylitol gummy bears will be effective. If you have a dog, you probably should not purchase products with xylitol especially if you have children.

For more information on xylitol poisoning in dogs visit http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/xylitol.asp

Adapted from materials provided by BMC Oral Health

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