Xylitol - What's the Big Deal?? Added sugar may be the single most unhealthy ingredient in the modern diet. For this reason, sugar-free sweeteners like xylitol have become popular. Xylitol has been recognized as having various important benefits, including improved dental health! This natural sugar alcohol helps prevent cavities by inhibiting the growth of the bacteria, Streptococcus mutans, that causes cavities. In fact, extended use of xylitol changes the quality of the bacteria in the mouth to cause fewer bacteria in the mo uth to cause fewer decay causing bacteria to survive on the tooth surface. Parents Can Pass Cavities to Children Streptococcus mutans has been found to pass from parents to their children which is why the regular use of xylitol by mothers can significantly reduce this bacterial transmission and results in fewer cavities for children. It has been shown that an optimal intake of 4-6 grams of xylitol per day in the form of gum or mints chewed or dissolved