Based on Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s discussion with Joe Rogan, xylitol gum offers fantastic benefits when it comes to oral health and overall well-being.
Dr. Patrick shared her insights and an amazing story about how chewing xylitol gum seemed to help reverse and prevent dental cavities for her during pregnancy.
In this post, we will summarize Dr. Patrick’s xylitol experience, provide an overview of the research on xylitol for oral health, include Joe Rogan’s recommendation for nootropic gum, and offer guidance on using xylitol gum as part of your dental hygiene routine.
Let’s dive in!
Top Picks
Best for energy: NeuroGum
Best for oral health: DureLife XYLITOL
Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s Xylitol Story
Dr. Rhonda Patrick holds a Ph.D. in biomedical science and is an expert on nutrition and health.
She hosts the podcast Found My Fitness, where she explores the role of diet and lifestyle in disease prevention.
On The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Dr. Patrick related how she had discovered two cavities during a dental exam before getting pregnant.
Wanting to avoid fillings, she researched natural alternatives and learned about xylitol, a sugar alcohol found in birch trees.
Multiple studies indicate xylitol can inhibit the oral bacteria that cause tooth decay.
During pregnancy, Dr. Patrick chewed generous amounts of xylitol gum. She also opted to avoid fluoride due to its potential developmental effects on the baby.
After giving birth, she returned to the dentist and was amazed to find her cavities had vanished.
- Great taste
- Not plaque inducing
She credits her diligent xylitol gum chewing as the likely reason.
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Overview of Xylitol Research
Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol in small amounts in fruits and vegetables.
It looks and tastes similar to sugar but has 40% fewer calories and does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels.
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Cavity prevention
Multiple clinical studies demonstrate xylitol can significantly reduce cavities and dental decay.
It appears to suppress the growth of harmful, cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans while not disturbing beneficial oral bacteria.
Increased saliva production
Chewing xylitol gum boosts saliva flow in the mouth.
This helps rinse away food debris and neutralize plaque acids.
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Bacterial inhibition
The xylitol compound directly interferes with the energy-producing pathways in cavity-causing bacteria, essentially starving them.
Transmission to children
Studies indicate pregnant women chewing xylitol gum can decrease cavity-causing bacteria in their children after birth, likely due to vertical transmission of oral bacteria from mother to child.
Potential digestive issues
Some people may experience digestive upset if they consume too much xylitol. Moderation is advised.
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Recommendations for Xylitol Gum Use
- Choose 100% xylitol gum with no added sugars. Popular options are Spry, Pur, and Xlear.
- Chew xylitol gum 5-10 minutes after meals and snacks to allow maximum plaque exposure.
- Gradually introduce xylitol gum to avoid initial gastric side effects. Work up to 3-5 pieces per day.
- Keep gum safely away from dogs, as xylitol is highly toxic to them.
- Use xylitol gum alongside proper brushing, flossing, and dental checkups. It should complement a good oral hygiene routine.
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Joe Rogan Recommendation: Neuro Gum
Joe Rogan is also a fan of nootropic chewing gum called Neuro Gum for an added brain boost.
He has used it for over a year, often chewing it before podcasts, UFC commentary, and workouts.
Neuro Gum contains caffeine from green tea, L-theanine, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
According to Rogan, this combination provides sustained energy, mental clarity, and focus without caffeine jitters.
Rogan typically chews two pieces of Neuro Gum at a time and finds it takes effect immediately.
He likes the convenience of the gum packets.
While xylitol gum offers dental benefits, nootropic gum provides cognitive enhancement that Rogan finds ideal for his busy lifestyle.
FAQ
What is xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol found in small amounts in many fruits and vegetables. It tastes similar to sugar but has fewer calories and no effect on blood sugar.
How does xylitol prevent cavities?
Xylitol inhibits the growth of streptococcus mutans, the bacteria primarily responsible for dental caries. It disrupts the bacteria’s energy production pathways so it can’t thrive.
How much xylitol gum should I chew per day?
Studies show benefits from 3-5 pieces of 100% xylitol gum, chewed for 5-10 minutes each, preferably after meals. Too much xylitol can cause stomach issues, so moderation is key.
Are there any side effects of xylitol?
Some people experience digestive upset like gas or diarrhea from too much xylitol. Start slowly and increase the amount gradually. Also, xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs, so keep gum away from pets.
Should I use xylitol gum in addition to brushing and flossing?
Yes, xylitol gum should be used alongside regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits – it provides extra protection against tooth decay but is not a replacement for good oral hygiene.
