in case you were wondering.. from wikipedia:
"Xylitol is a 'toothfriendly' sugar substitute. In addition to not encouraging tooth decay (by replacing dietary sugars), xylitol may actively aid in repairing minor cavities caused by dental caries. Recent research[5] confirms a plaque-reducing effect and suggests that the compound, having some chemical properties similar to sucrose, attracts and then 'starves' harmful micro-organisms, allowing the mouth to remineralize damaged teeth with less interruption. (However, this same effect also interferes with yeast micro-organisms and others, so xylitol is inappropriate for making bread, for instance.)"
and
"Studies have shown that xylitol chewing gum can help prevent ear infections[9] (acute otitis media); the act of chewing and swallowing assists with the disposal of earwax and clearing the middle ear, whilst the presence of xylitol prevents the growth of bacteria in the eustachian tubes which connect the nose and ear.[10] This action that xylitol has on bacteria in the back of the nose is best explained on the site dealing with the nasal application of xylitol. [11] When bacteria enter the body they hold on to our tissues by hanging on to a variety of sugar complexes. The open nature of xylitol and its ability to form many different sugar-like structures appears to interfere with the ability of many bacteria to adhere.[12] Xylitol can be applied nasally through a saline solution containing xylitol, such as Xlear Nasal Wash."
orbit ftw!