Xylitol - how do you take it? Any non ultra processed food ways?

I have had gum disease for eight years now. When it first happened I was 36 and absolutely devastated.

I’m coming to terms with it, and keep on top of it, but every time I see my periodontist he tells me I could do better. I do EVERYTHING perfectly as per their instructions - all the brushing techniques. I spent my life cleaning my teeth!

But still hear it could be better. I am now going to try hygienist cleans once every three months instead of six - I absolutely loathe hygienist cleans.

I found this Reddit board and the discussions on xylitol and I am very keen to give it a try! I do eat a lot of sugary foods but mostly all natural ones - a lot of fruit etc. so maybe that’s part of my problem.

Anyway I have largely given up ultra processed foods but when I look at xylitol products, they all contain a bunch of other chemicals - all except the powder which seems to be 100% xylitol.

Tell me - how do you take it? What’s the “perfect” way? And has it made a difference to your gum disease, all other things being equal?

I was thinking about getting the 100% powder, mixing it with water, and swilling it around my mouth?!?!

Any help would be so appreciated. I can’t help but think my gum disease has a bit of a comorbidity with anxiety. I have a lot of anxiety around the disease itself, but am anxious anyway.

In summary: how do you take your xylitol? Is there a non-ultra-processed-food way to take it while still getting the benefits?