Rebalancing the biofilm
As I prepare to spend the weekend connecting with dental hygienists at the Washington State Dental Hygienists’ Association Annual Scientific Symposium, I’m excited to talk about something that challenges the way we’ve traditionally approached oral care—xylitol.
For decades, dentistry has focused on killing bacteria. But the future of oral health lies in something very different: supporting and rebalancing the microbiome. Xylitol is one of the few tools we have that truly aligns with that philosophy.
It doesn’t wipe out the biofilm. It changes it—reducing the advantage of harmful, acid-producing bacteria while allowing a healthier, more stable microbial environment to emerge.
Disclosure: I am partnering with Xlear at this event. The information shared reflects my independent clinical perspective and review of the research.
Rethinking Xylitol
For years, xylitol has been positioned as an “anti-cavity” ingredient—something that fights bacteria and prevents decay. But that explanation only tells part of the story. Xylitol is a naturally occurring five-carbon sugar alcohol (a pentitol) found in fruits and vegetables, and it offers benefits that go far beyond oral health. Unlike traditional sugars, it does not spike blood sugar levels, making it a diabetic-friendly sweetener, and it can even be used in everyday cooking and baking as a healthier alternative to sugar.
In the mouth, xylitol behaves very differently than conventional sweeteners. It is not a harsh antimicrobial, and it doesn’t sterilize the oral environment. Instead, it works by gently shifting the conditions within the mouth—supporting saliva, balancing pH, and helping create a healthier, more stable biofilm.
Continue reading my blog, “Xylitol: Rebalancing the biofim naturally”
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Barbara Tritz, MSB, BSDATE, BRDH, is a biological dental hygienist and orofacial myofunctional therapist whose blog, Queen of Dental Hygiene, provides patients the information they need to help them on their healing journey. “Our one-hour appointment time was just not long enough to share all the many important facts I wanted our patients to learn. Dental hygiene is about so much more than just teaching brushing and flossing," says Barbara. “We are healers, educators, and lifesavers, and we need to give our patients the tools and skills to empower them to true wellness and health.”
