An overview of the research and mechanisms of action of XiliPOP

The “better-for-you sweets” segment has expanded significantly over the past five years, and with it consumer skepticism has grown—there are too many marketing promises with no scientific foundation. XyliPOP is a fundamentally different case: it is supported by five decades of evidence-based research that cannot be ignored.

Below we examine objective data on how XyliPOP lollipops influence cariogenic processes and why this delivery form of xylitol deserves the attention of practicing dentists and their patients.

Scientific background

The story began with a surprise. In 1969, Finnish researchers from the University of Turku set out to demonstrate the harmful effects of sweeteners on teeth. The results turned out to be the opposite: participants who received xylitol showed not only an absence of new caries lesions, but an active reduction in caries incidence.

The well-known Turku Sugar Studies became the first link in a chain of research that has continued for more than 50 years. The key finding: an 85% reduction in caries increment when dietary sugar was replaced with xylitol.

The mechanism of action proved to be both elegant and devastating for pathogens. Streptococcus mutans takes up xylitol, mistaking it for glucose, but cannot metabolize it. Xylitol-5-phosphate is forme — a compound that depletes the bacterium’s energy reserves and ultimately leads to its death. This represents not merely growth inhibition, but active bacterial elimination.

The delivery form of xylitol matters

A critical question concerned the mechanism of action: does xylitol work on its own, or does it require additional stimulation of salivary flow through chewing?

The Estonian study by Alanen et al. effectively settled this debate. A total of 740 children were followed for three years while receiving xylitol in various dosage forms. The results were unambiguous:

The reduction in dental caries was 35–60% across all xylitol groups.

Differences between lollipops and chewing gum were statistically insignificant.

This indicates that the chemical effect of xylitol on bacteria is more important than mechanical stimulation. Lollipops even demonstrated certain advantages: the contact time with oral tissues is 8–12 minutes, compared with 5–7 minutes for chewing gum.

How XyliPOP works at the molecular level

Contemporary research has revealed the multifaceted nature of xylitol’s effects. In addition to its direct antibacterial action, three key processes occur:

• Futile energy cycle

Unlike sucrose, xylitol cannot be utilized by bacteria to generate energy. Instead, bacteria expend energy on transporting xylitol into the cell and then pumping it back out. This “futile energy cycle” exhausts the bacterial cell, limiting its ability to multiply and to produce acid.

• Creating a favorable environment for remineralization

Xylitol stimulates salivary flow and promotes a faster return to neutral pH in the oral cavity. This helps reduce the risk of enamel demineralization and creates conditions that support natural remineralization via calcium and fluoride present in saliva. In addition, XyliPOP contains calcium lactate as a source of calcium to further enhance this process.

• Systemic effects

A portion of ingested xylitol reaches the intestine, where it can be fermented by the gut microbiota, exerting a prebiotic effect by helping support the growth of beneficial bacteria. However, at higher doses it may cause bloating and diarrhea due to gas formation during its fermentation. 

Table 1. Mechanisms of action of xylitol (overview based on current evidence on its effects on Streptococcus mutants and enamel remineralization)

Clinical efficacy

• A meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials reported that xylitol is effective regardless of the delivery form, with an average daily dose of 5–10 grams associated with a consistent 30–60% reduction in dental caries.
• XyliPOP provides precise dosing with no risk of exceeding recommended amounts, as each lollipop contains a therapeutically active dose of xylitol in a bioavailable form.
• Safety has been confirmed by international regulatory bodies, and the FDA has granted xylitol GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status; the only limitation is the potential for gastrointestinal side effects when intake exceeds 40–50 grams per day, which corresponds to approximately 40–50 lollipops.
• XyliPOP is the only lollipop on a stick that has been tested at a university dental faculty in Switzerland, where it demonstrated that oral pH does not fall below the critical threshold (pH 5.6) throughout the entire dissolution period and therefore was authorized to bear the claim “beneficial for teeth”.

Table 2. Summary of key clinical studies on xylitol

Practical advantages of XyliPOP

When recommending XyliPOP to patients, dentists receive a tool with proven effectiveness and high patient compliance. This is especially relevant in pediatric practice, where adherence to preventive measures is traditionally low.

The lollipops address the “child factor”: patients perceive them as a treat rather than as a treatment. At the same time, each use provides a therapeutic effect on the cariogenic flora.

Recommended intake regimen: 1 lollipop after main meals. The sucking time should be at least 5 minutes to ensure sufficient exposure to the active ingredient.

Conclusion:

XyliPOP lollipops represent a science-based approach to the prevention of dental caries, grounded in a deep understanding of molecular mechanisms and supported by clinical studies with a high level of evidence.

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