Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions
Herbal Candies
Xylitol Candies

General Questions

What type of sweetener does Dr. John's Candies use?
Our main sweetener and bulking agent is a natural corn-based sweetener known as HSH. The Dr. John's Candies with Xylitol contain no artificial sweeteners since Xylitol adds more sweet taste to the original Dr. John's Candies formula. None of our candies contain Aspartame. Sweetener safety article. In addition, we now have introduced a line of All Natural Dr. John's Candies with Xylitol that contain no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.

How do I order Dr. John's products?
These are now available in our Candy Store.

How do I place an international order for Dr. John's products?
You can place your international order online via this website.

What method of payment does Dr. John's accept?
You may pay by credit card, and soon we'll reintroduce PayPal as an option.

How are Dr. John's products shipped?
All orders are shipped via the USPS or UPS.

When will I receive my shipment?
We will try to ship your order as soon as possible. Due to our exposure in national media outlets, we are experiencing higher than normal volume of orders. We appreciate your patience!

How much will I be charged for shipping on orders for Dr. John's products?
Domestic and international shipping charges will be displayed and applied prior to your final purchase via a real-time shipping quote.

Does Dr. John's have on-line tracking?
When your order is shipped you will receive an email confirmation with a tracking number.

How long will it take to receive my Dr. John's order?
Typically 5 to 7 business days for domestic shipping and approximately 1 to 2 weeks for international shipping.

Are Dr. John's products available at stores?
Not yet, but please check back or sign up for our E-Newsletter for updated information.

Is Dr. John's a publicly traded company?
Not at this present time. Thank you for your interest.

Are free samples available?
Because of the tremendous interest in Dr. John's products we are unable to provide free samples.

How can I become a Dr. John's domestic or international distributor or wholesaler?
At this time, we are working on the structure that defines our wholesale/distributor relationship. Please check back or sign up for our E-Newsletter for further announcements.

Will organizations be able to purchase Dr. John's products (wholesale or reduced rate) as a fundraising project?
YES! Contact us to get current wholesale pricing information.

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Herbal Candies

How do Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops work?
View the information.

Are brochures available?
Yes... here it is: Dr. John's Candies informative flipcard (1.4MB)

Do you use the lollipop before or after you brush your teeth?
You may use the lollipop before or after you brush and floss. This does not affect the effectiveness of Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops.

What is the proper way to use Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops?

  • One lollipop (no biting please) in the morning and one in the evening for 10 days.
  • Dissolve slowly in mouth for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Use Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops 2-4 times per year.
  • Visit your dentist at least once a year for a professional dental cleaning and exam.
  • Usage of Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops more than 2-4 times per year is not recommended as the bacteria that causes tooth decay may become resistant from continual prolonged use.

What do Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops taste like?
It is a pleasantly sweet, orange citrus flavor.

Are there going to be other flavors available?
Yes, we have other flavors in Research & Development at present. The next available flavor is likely to be blue raspberry. Please sign up for our E-Newsletter for product information.

Will you be changing any of your ingredients (dyes, sweeteners, extracts, etc.)?
Possibly, as we continue our research and development. However, the herbal ingredients have taken years to develop. They are patented formulas and will not be changed in the near future. Please sign up for our E-Newsletter for updates on ingredients.

What is the shelf life of Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops?
We would prefer that you use the 20 count pack soon after purchase. The 2.5 pound bag if kept sealed in a cool, dry environment will last up to 18 months. Retail packaging with a longer shelf life is pending. Please check back or sign up for our E-Newsletter for updated information.

Are Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops safe for children, adults, and seniors?
Yes, the lollipop is safe for all ages but does not substitute for brushing, flossing or visiting your dentist. Please follow the instructions on the package label and limit your frequency of sugary foods. Please check back or sign up for our E-Newsletter for updated information. If you have a particular health issue or allergy, please check with your health professional concerning your usage of the herbal lollipop. All ingredients used in the Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops have obtained GRAS status by the FDA.
Safety Assessment of Licorice Root Extract (PDF: 676KB)

Are there side effects associated with these lollipops?
We are not aware of any common side effects.

Are there peanuts used in the making of the lollipops?
No. However, they are manufactured in a facility that does create other products which use peanuts.

How do I order Dr. John's cavity fighting lollipops?
It is preferable that you place your order online in our Candy Store.

Are Dr. John's Herbal Lollipops available for donation to organizations?
Due to scientific studies currently being conducted with entities requiring test samples, we are unable to provide additional samples. Please check back or sign up for our E-Newsletter for updated information.

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Xylitol Candies

What is Xylitol?
Xylitol is a safe and delicious FDA-approved sugar substitute (also known as a polyol) that can help prevent cavities and plaque build-up. This naturally occurring sweetener is found in many fruits, such as raspberries, strawberries and kiwis. Our bodies normally produce about 15 grams of xylitol each day.

How much Xylitol is in Dr. John's Candies?
Each Dr. John's Candies Lollipop with Xylitol contains approximately 1/2 gram of Xylitol. At least 4 grams per day is recommended for an anti-caries effect. At this time, 1/2 gram is the maximum we could add and still maintain the shape of the candy. We continue to research and are developing a Xylitol candy which will deliver a daily efficacious dose of Xylitol per lollipop/disc shape with minimum dosing frequency.

Who Invented Xylitol?
Nobel Prize-winning chemists discovered Xylitol in the late nineteenth century, and it became a popular sweetener during the sugar shortages of World War II. Scientists later discovered important medical uses for Xylitol, and it was used in treating insulin reactions. The U.S. approved Xylitol as a safe food additive in 1963 and, in the decade that followed, Finnish scientists became aware of Xylitol's dental benefits. In 1975 the first Xylitol chewing gum was marketed as a tasty and healthier alternative to sugar.

Where Does Xylitol Come From?
Most commercially used Xylitol is naturally derived from corn cobs and stalks, or tree fiber, called xylan. Medical professionals who research and understand the full range of Xyltiol's benefits recommend that consumers buy only products that are 100% Xylitol sweetened and made from the highest quality pharmaceutical grade Xylitol available. Advocates for Xylitol education encourage consumers to read ingredient labels and avoid major gum brands that use potentially harmful artificial sweeteners and only a token amount of Xylitol. Always use 100% Xylitol sweetened products to achieve maximum therapeutic benefits.

What Are Some Benefits of Using Xylitol?
Since its discovery, numerous clinical studies have proven Xylitol effectively lessens the severity and occurrence of inner ear and sinus infections (especially in children), reduces dental caries by up to 80%, fights plaque, helps fluoride penetrate teeth, and actually assists in the emineralization of damaged tooth enamel.

Additionally, recent research shows Xylitol is a natural enemy of bacteria. Normally, when certain harmful bacteria enter the body, they attach to the membranes of the nose and throat and cause infection as they begin to culture and grow. But when exposed to Xylitol some harmful bacteria lose their ability to adhere to infected membranes. Unlike antibiotics, which tend to eradicate the majority of bacteria but leave stronger, resistant strains behind, Xylitol simply flushes harmful bacteria away.

Is Xylitol Safe?
Yes, Xylitol is rated safe by the FDA and World Health Organiziation. It has been endorsed by national dental associations, health organizations, and medical professionals worldwide. Delicious Xylitol products have been enjoyed by millions in the United States, Europe and Asia for three decades.

Not surprisingly, the Xylitol products your dentist has prescribed are recommended and used by health professionals throughout the world.

Who Can Use Xylitol?
Xylitol can be used by everyone--infants, children, adults and the elderly--with none of the health concerns that often accompany artificial sweeteners. Xylitol looks and tastes as sweet as sugar, but has 40% fewer calories, 75% fewer carbohydrates, and a much lower glycemic index (7), which makes it safe and beneficial for diabetics, hypoglycemics and everyone concerned with achieving and maintaining an ideal body weight.

These recommendations are general guidelines and are not intended to replace regular check-ups, your health care provider's advice, or other health maintenance practices that your doctor may have prescribed. Please consult with your dentist or other health care practitioner for further recommendations specific to your personal dental and health concerns. As with any products, use common sense and avoid giving gum and mints to infants, small children, or anyone else for whom these products may pose a choking hazard.

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