Week 6 (starting from 6th February 2023) 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:
Espoo, Aalto University
Otakaari 1 Espoo, main lobby, 9 Feb 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm
Helsinki, University of Helsinki
Kumpula campus, Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, lobby, 8 Feb 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm
Hämeenlinna / HAMK
Hämeenlinna campus, Vankanlähde 9, lobby of building N, Wed 8 Feb 2023 from 10:30 am to –12:30 pm.
Lahti / LAB University of Applied Sciences / LUT University
LAB campus, Isku Center, Mukkulankatu 19, events arena, Fri 10 Feb 2023 from 9 am to 11 am
Lappeenranta / LUT University / LAB University of Applied Sciences
LUT campus (Yliopistonkatu 34), 2nd floor, next to Street Cafe, Thurs 9 Feb 2023 from 11 am to 2 pm.
Oulu, FSHS service unit
Yliopistokatu 1 A, 1st floor, near the main entrance, Mon 6 Feb 2023 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.
Rovaniemi, FSHS service unit
Yliopistonkatu 8 A 3, FSHS lobby, 6 to 10 Feb 2023 during the daily opening hours
Seinäjoki/SEAMK
Kampustalo (Kalevankatu 35) Mon 6 Feb 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm and Frami F (Kampusranta 11) Tues 7 Feb 2023 from 10 am to 1 pm.
Tampere, Police University College POLAMK
POLAMK campus, Vaajakatu 2, lobby near the restaurant, Tues 7 Feb 2023 from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Tampere, Hervanta campus
Kampusareena, Korkeakoulunkatu 7, near the restaurant, Wed 8 Feb 2023 from 9 am to 12 noon
Turku
ICT-City, Joukahaisenkatu 3, lobby, 7 Feb 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm
Vaasa / Vaasa University of Applied Sciences VAMK / NOVIA University of Applied Sciences
Wolffintie 27-31, Alere square, Tues 7 Feb 2023 from 11 am to 1 pm.
Vantaa (Tikkurila), Laurea University of Applied Sciences
Ratatie 22, Vantaa, lobby, 6 Feb 2023 from 10 am to 2 pm
