So what exactly is xylitol (zy-li-tall)? It’s a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. And what’s so good about it? It turns out that it’s actually good for teeth as it helps to prevent cavities.

Xylitol is an ingredient in various dental products as well as a key ingredient in some sugarless mints and gum — which means that a piece of sugarless gum after a meal (when a toothbrush isn’t close by) is a very good thing.