Xylitol has been the subject of many clinical trials. Results have suggested across the board that Xylitol, delivered in the appropriate method and quantity, can help to prevent cavities. Xylitol inhibits the growth of bacteria in the mouth. These same bacteria is what cause cavities. Additionally, Xylitol helps stimulate saliva flow. Saliva flow is one of the body's natural defense mechanisms and Xylitol is able to stimulate this activity, further helping the prevention of cavities.

While Xylitol is available as a bulk sweetener, mainly you will find it in chewing gum. Chewing Xylitol gum regularly is perhaps the best method in addition to normal brushing and flossing in the prevention of cavities.

Our research on cavity prevention coupled with Xylitol chewing gum provided a number of results. While there are a few chewing gum products that contain Xylitol, fewer yet contain enough Xylitol to effectively help in the prevention of cavities. Our criteria for the perfect Xylitol gum consisted of the amount of Xylitol per piece, the variety and quality of the gum flavor, and the price.

We sampled several Xylitol gum products. However, we found only 1 brand that met all of our standards for the above criteria. ZAPP Gum contains over 1 gram per piece. This means that chewing 2 pieces, 3 times daily can help prevent cavities. This gum also is produced in 5 different, enjoyable flavors. Finally, ZAPP gum is about the same price as other chewing gum products you might find in the store. However, ZAPP gum, as far as we know, is not sold in stores, but rather online only from their website. We found it at