During testing and development we found we needed a little added sweetness but we did not want to add sugar or molasses or honey, like other brands do, because we did not want to create a product that promoted tooth decay. Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Xylitol also prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth. This is how it protects the teeth from tooth decay.