XyliChew Gum, Licorice is sweetened with xylitol, a plant-source sweetener which comes from birch trees. Xylitol is a safe and natural sweetener made from birch that promotes good oral health Scientific research proves that regular use of Xylitol reduces dental cavities by as much as 80%, and reduces earaches in children by as much as 40%. Xylitol decreases plaque formation and adhesion. Xylitol cuts off dental acid attacks, hardens tooth enamel and repairs small emerging cavities. Xylitol has a cooling effect in the mouth, leaves no aftertaste and is an ideal sweetener for a gum. Xylichew Gum contains original latex from the sapodilla tree as its gum base.