Sorbitol, also known as sorbitol. It is white hygroscopic powder or crystalline powder, flakes or granules, odorless. Depending on the crystallization conditions, the melting point changes in the range of 88~102℃, and the relative density is about 1.49. Easily soluble in water (1g dissolves in about 0.45mL water), slightly soluble in ethanol and acetic acid. According to the understanding of sorbitol supply: in the food industry, sorbitol liquid with a content of 69~71% is mostly used. Sorbitol liquid is a clear, colorless, syrupy liquid with a sweet taste, neutral to litmus, and miscible with water, glycerin and propylene glycol. Can be used as nutritive sweetener, humectant, chelating agent and stabilizer.
Sorbitol has anti-caries properties:
Sugar is the main cause of dental caries. Certain microorganisms in the oral cavity can ferment sugar to produce acid. These Acid can damage the enamel on the tooth surface, causing cavities.
Sorbitol has a refreshing sweetness, the sweetness is about half that of sucrose, and its caloric value is similar to that of sucrose. Compared to sucrose, sorbitol is much more anti-caries. After ingesting sucrose, acid will be rapidly produced on the tooth surface, causing a decrease in pH. However, the acid generated after ingestion of sorbitol causes a smaller decrease in pH on the tooth surface, and the pH is still greater than the critical value of 5.7, thus greatly reducing the possibility of dental caries.
Studies have found that chewing sorbitol-containing gum for 20 minutes each time after a meal can significantly reduce the plaque on the tooth surface after 30 days. It can also promote the remineralization of early caries on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of molars. �