AMERICAN FORK – November 02, 2026 -- Parents who can't keep candy away from their kids can add xylitol gum or toothpaste to the daily routine, and a 40-month study found xylitol gum users had roughly 73% less tooth decay, according to Spry.
A 40-month Belize study tracked xylitol gum chewers
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol commonly used as a sweetener in chewing gum and oral care products. In the study, published in the Journal of Dental Research, children who chewed 100% xylitol gum had approximately 73% less tooth decay than children who did not chew gum.
The children were not asked to reduce their sugar intake or change their eating habits. The research is not new, but Spry points to it as evidence for xylitol as an additional tool in children's oral care.
Spry offers two everyday xylitol options
- Spry Xylitol Gum: defends against bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay while freshening breath.
- Spry Xylitol Toothpaste: an everyday toothpaste with xylitol to help support a healthier oral environment.
Xlear/Spry CEO Nathan Jones says parents shouldn't feel they must eliminate every treat. "Kids are going to eat candy," he said, adding that daily habits and practical options matter most.
Oral health reaches beyond teeth and gums
Science has identified associations between poor oral health, particularly gum disease and chronic inflammation, and dozens of systemic health conditions. Researchers continue to investigate the relationships and underlying mechanisms.
Spry says its product range is designed to deliver the recommended five xylitol exposures per day. Its toothpastes, available with and without fluoride, are formulated to strengthen and re-mineralize enamel by 33% compared with fluoride alone.