See the Research: What Xylitol Actually Does for Your Teeth

Skeptical? Good. We love that.

Xylitol has been studied for more than 40 years and the research is remarkably consistent: when used 3–5 times a day (about 6g total), xylitol can dramatically reduce your cavity risk.

Here’s what the science shows:

Xylitol Gum Can Significantly Reduce Cavities

40-month, 1,135-child study

Children who chewed xylitol gum had the biggest drop in new cavities compared to sucrose, sorbitol, or mixed sweeteners.

Researchers concluded that a xylitol-based gum program can substantially reduce caries risk.

Source: Makinen KK, Bennett CA, Hujoel PP, Isokangas PJ, Isotupa KP, Pape HR Jr, Makinen KK. Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J Dent Res 1995 Dec;74(12):1904-13.

Xylitol Toothpaste Reduces Cavity-Causing Bacteria

6-month clinical trial of 155 adults

Participants using toothpaste with 10% xylitol had an 18% decrease in mutans streptococci (the bacteria responsible for many cavities).

The fluoride-only group saw almost a 10% increase in the same bacteria.

Researchers concluded that adding xylitol significantly reduces harmful bacteria in saliva and plaque.

Source: L. Jannessona, et.al, Effect of a triclosan-containing toothpaste supplemented with 10% xylitol on mutans streptococci in saliva and dental plaque. A 6-month clinical study. Caries Res. 2002 Jan-Feb;36(1):36-9.

Xylitol Gum Can Help Stop Active Decay

Two 24-month studies of 510 children

Children who chewed high-xylitol gum regularly experienced arrested or significantly slowed dentine decay, while the control groups continued to see progression.

Researchers concluded that high-xylitol gum can halt or reverse active dentine lesions.

Makinen KK, Makinen PL, Pape HR Jr, Allen P, Bennett CA, Isokangas PJ, Isotupa KP. Stabilisation of rampant caries: polyol gums and arrest of dentine caries in two long-term cohort studies in young subjects. Int Dent J 1995 Feb;45(1 Suppl 1):93-107. PMID 7607749

Why This Matters for You

Across decades of research, xylitol has consistently been shown to:

  • Reduce cavity-causing bacteria

  • Lower acid levels after meals

  • Help enamel stay stronger

  • Support a balanced oral pH

  • Protect both kids and adults

And all studies align with the same effective daily dose: about 6g of xylitol (3–5 uses per day).

Epic just makes it easy and enjoyable to get the amount that works.

Try It Yourself With Zero Risk

Dentists recommend xylitol.
Customers swear by it.
And we guarantee you’ll feel the difference.

Take the Epic 6-Month Challenge and see what your next dental visit looks like. 

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

Other Studies Show Xylitol's Benefits

If you prefer to do more research on your own, below is list of additional studies about xylitol, xylitol side effects, and its potential tooth-protecting benefits: