Week 6 (From 5 to 11 February 2024) is National Xylitol Week in Finland. But what actually is xylitol, and why should you use it regularly?
Xylitol is a natural product, a sweetener found naturally in plants such as fruit and berries. It’s also produced industrially from material such as birch tree fibre.
How xylitol works
Taken after a meal, xylitol helps prevent acid attacks by reducing acidity caused in the mouth by food. It prevents growth and activity of the bacteria that cause dental cavities.
Xylitol also reduces plaque and makes it less likely to stick to your teeth. Xylitol has positive health benefits, but isn’t a substitute for brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste.
How much xylitol should you use, and how often?
It’s recommended that you use a total of 5 to 10 grams of xylitol daily, for about 5 to 10 minutes after at least three meals every day. Both chewing gum and mints can be good sources of xylitol, but be sure to check how much xylitol your product actually contains. If you have masticatory problems, use xylitol mints instead of gum.
The more xylitol there is, the more your teeth will benefit. Six pieces of full-xylitol chewing gum provides the recommended daily dose. Regular use of full-xylitol products provides the most health benefits, but even occasional use is beneficial.
The Xylitol Week (week 6)
During National Xylitol Week, the xylitol theme will be visible throughout the FSHS in a variety of ways. There’ll be events on campuses, and xylitol-related material will be available at many service units. Also stay tuned to our social media channels.
The Xylitol theme week can be seen here, for example:
Helsinki, Haaga-Helia campus
Ratapihantie 13, lobby, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Centre campus
Guidance Corner, Fabianinkatu 30, Wed. 7 Feb 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Helsinki, Metropolia Arabia campus
Hämeentie 135 D, the entrance hall, Mon 5 Feb 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Jyväskylä, JAMK main campus
Rajakatu 35, lobby, Wed 14 Feb 2024 from 11 am to 12.30 pm.
Jyväskylä, FSHS service unit
Puistokatu 4, waiting room for oral health, Thu 8 Feb 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm.
Kuopio, FSHS service unit
Niiralankatu 23, lobby, Tue 6 Feb 2024.
Lahti, LAB/LUT campus
Mukkulankatu 19, Tapahtuma-areena (events arena), Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 9 am to 12 pm.
Lappeenranta. LAB/LUT campus
Yliopistonkatu 34, lobby of Street Cafe, floor 3, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 10.30 am to 1 pm.
Oulu, FSHS service unit
Yliopistokatu 1 A, lobby of the service unit, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 8 am to 11.30 am and from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Pori, FSHS
University Consortium of Pori, Siltapuistokatu 6, lobby, Wed 7 Feb 2024.
Rauma, FSHS service unit
Seminaarinkatu 3 (entrance from Seminaarinkuja), lobby of service unit, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 9.30 am to 1 pm..
Rovaniemi, FSHS service unit
Yliopistonkatu 8 A 3, FSHS lobby, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 8 am to 3 pm.
Seinäjoki, SEAMK campus
Kampusranta 11, Frami F, lobby, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 10 am to 1 pm.
Tampere, campus Kauppi
Arvo Ylpön katu 34, lobby, Wed 7 Feb 2024 from 9.30 am to 2 pm.
Turku, University of Turku
Educarium, Assistentinkatu 5, lobby, near of Unica Macciavelli, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 11.30 am to 1 pm..
Vaasa / VAMK / NOVIA
Alere Campus, Wolffintie 27–31, lobby, Tue 6 Feb 2024 from 11 am to 12.30 pm.