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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2006 Feb;85(2):177-81.
doi: 10.1177/154405910608500212.

Mutans streptococci dose response to xylitol chewing gum

P Milgrom  1 , K A Ly, M C Roberts, M Rothen, G Mueller, D K Yamaguchi
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Mutans streptococci dose response to xylitol chewing gum

P Milgrom et al. J Dent Res. 2006 Feb.

Abstract

Xylitol is promoted in caries-preventive strategies, yet its effective dose range is unclear. This study determined the dose-response of mutans streptococci in plaque and unstimulated saliva to xylitol gum. Participants (n = 132) were randomized: controls (G1) (sorbitol/maltitol), or combinations giving xylitol 3.44 g/day (G2), 6.88 g/day (G3), or 10.32 g/day (G4). Groups chewed 3 pellets/4 times/d. Samples were taken at baseline, 5 wks, and 6 mos, and were cultured on modified Mitis Salivarius agar for mutans streptococci and on blood agar for total culturable flora. At 5 wks, mutans streptococci levels in plaque were 10x lower than baseline in G3 and G4 (P = 0.007/0.003). There were no differences in saliva. At 6 mos, mutans streptococci in plaque for G3 and G4 remained 10x lower than baseline (P = 0.007/0.04). Saliva for G3 and G4 was lower than baseline by 8 to 9x (P = 0.011/0.038). Xylitol at 6.44 g/day and 10.32 g/day reduces mutans streptococci in plaque at 5 wks, and in plaque and unstimulated saliva at 6 mos. A plateau effect is suggested between 6.44 g and 10.32 g xylitol/day.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Mean log10 CFU mutans streptococci/mL in plaque and unstimulated saliva by xylitol dose at 5 wks and at 6 mos. *Significant-difference group compared with placebo (G1) in least-significant-difference multiple comparisons.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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