Finnish schoolchildren know that a xylitol pastille after lunch is an intelligent habit because of their teeth. A xylitol innovation developed by Leaf Suomi Oy has been received with delight by hundreds of schools.

Leaf, which is well known as a pioneer in xylitol products, developed a dispenser for use in schools for a xylitol pastille marketed under the name Läkerol Dents. The dispenser was tested in two localities for the first time in the autumn term of 2004.

"The feedback was unusually positive and interest in the xylitol pastille began to grow at a brisk pace," says Marjatta Sandström, communications manager for xylitol products at Leaf.

Xylitol´s health-promoting effects on teeth have been proven in many scientific studies. Xylitol cuts off acid attacks, prevents holes, reduces the amount of plaque and prevents mothers infecting their children with caries. Xylitol also reduces children's ear infections.

"Läkerol Dents is the result of long-tern clinical tests and product development, the first xylitol pastille in the world," Sandström says.

Intelligent habit works

In the school canteen children roll out a xylitol pastille onto their tray and enjoy it at the end of the meal.

"The price of one pastille is less than four cents, so the costs per pupil are just under seven euros in a school year," Sandström reckons.

Enjoying xylitol to finish off lunch continues a habit learnt in Finnish day-care centres. Schoolchildren know that xylitol repels acid attacks and is good for the teeth.

Although the xylitol pastille for schoolchildren is not yet known around the world, xylitol and its health effects are well known. The awareness is greatest in the Nordic area, Estonia, Holland and Switzerland, but it is also known in the Far East, Japan, South Korea and China.

>> www.xylitol.net
>> www.leaf.fi

Children roll out a xylitol pastille onto their tray and enjoy it at the end of the meal.