anyone else use xylitol out there?

I like it just cause I heard that it doesn't feed the bacteria on your teeth. And I chew a lot of gum when I want to munch. I'm always chewing gum or eating.

Why Use Xylitol?

►Effective
Studies using xylitol as either a sugar substitute or a small dietary addition have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in new tooth decay, along with arrest and even some reversal of existing dental caries. Xylitol provides additional protection that enhances all existing prevention methods. This xylitol effect is long-lasting and possibly permanent. Low decay rates persist even years after the trials have been completed.

►Natural
Xylitol is right here, inside, already. Our bodies produce up to 15 grams of xylitol from other food sources using established energy pathways. Xylitol is not a strange or artificial substance, but a normal part of everyday metabolism.
Xylitol is widely distributed throughout nature in small amounts. Some of the best sources are fruits, berries, mushrooms lettuce, hardwoods, and corn cobs. One cup of raspberries contains less than one gram of xylitol.
Chewing is a natural process and chewing gums provide some exercise lacking in a refined diet. If chewing is uncomfortable, xylitol mints or candies can also stimulate saliva, the natural tooth protector.

►Safe
In the amounts needed to prevent tooth decay (less than 15 grams per day), xylitol is safe for everyone.

►Convenient
Xylitol can be conveniently delivered to your teeth via chewing gum, tablets, or even candy. You can implement your xylitol program anywhere, anytime. It fits right in with the most frantic schedules. You don’t need to change your normal routine to make room for xylitol.

►Enjoyable
Some health regimens require iron willpower, discipline, and commitment. But xylitol tastes so good that it becomes automatic. Children love it! Nagging is minimized.

from xylitol.org

Yes, I use it in conjunction with Stevia for myself - I still have not convinced my hubby to give up Splenda - I am making slow progress with him, but we are taking itty bitty small baby steps in that area.

The only soda pop I purchase is called Zevia and it is sweetened with Xylitol and Stevia.

I like to purchase the rootbeer, put it in a tall glass, add a splash of heavy cream and a splash of pure vanilla to it and it is just like having a root beer float, without the icecream and sugary soda pop.

First, I do want to let you know that xylitol is very dangerous for dogs. It is an ingredient in sugarless gums. My Beagle got a hold of a piece of gum with this in it, one of my son's friends threw it in the bathroom waste basket, and the poor little guy got a bit ill. Most of it was just acting strange, but it was very strange. The vet told us that he would be fine the next day and he was. So, if you have an animal just don't let them get any! : )
I used Stevia without any trouble whatsoever. No side effects or anything. I just didn't like that a teaspoon still has 5 calories because using it in my daily coffee would have added 50 calories that I would like to use elsewhere. But here is more info below. And, no, it's not a man made chemical as your other reply shows.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Xylitol[1]
Xylitol
IUPAC name
[show]
(2R,3R,4S)-Pentane-1,2,3,4,5-pentol
Other names 1,2,3,4,5-Pentahydroxypentane;
Xylite
Identifiers
CAS number [87-99-0

]
Properties
Molecular formula C5H12O5
Molar mass 152.15 g/mol
Density 1.52 g/cm³
Melting point

92-96 °C
Boiling point

216 °C
Related compounds
Related alkanes Pentane
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references
Xylitol crystals

Xylitol (from Greek ξύλον - xyl[on], "wood" + suffix -itol, used to denote sugar alcohols) is an organic compound with the formula (CHOH)3(CH2OH)2. This achiral species is one of four isomers of 1,2,3,4,5-pentapentanol. This sugar alcohol is used as a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibres of many fruits and vegetables, including various berries, corn husks, oats, and mushrooms.[2] It can be extracted from corn fibre,[3] birch, raspberries, plums, and corn. Xylitol is roughly as sweet as sucrose with only two-thirds the food energy. As with most sugar alcohols, consumption can result in bloating, diarrhea, and flatulence, although generally rather less so than other sugar alcohols like sorbitol.