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Review
. 2009;21(1):44-7.
doi: 10.1177/0895937409335623. Epub 2009 Jul 31.

Xylitol and its vehicles for public health needs

P Milgrom  1 , K A Ly, M Rothen
Affiliations
Review

Xylitol and its vehicles for public health needs

P Milgrom et al. Adv Dent Res. 2009.

Abstract

Xylitol has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective tooth decay preventive agent when used habitually. Nevertheless, its application has been limited by absence of formulations that demand minimal adherence and are acceptable and safe in settings where chewing gum may not be allowed. A substantial literature suggests that a minimum of five to six grams and three exposures per day from chewing gum or candies are needed for a clinical effect. At the same time there is conflicting evidence in the literature from toothpaste studies suggesting that lower-doses and less frequent exposures might be effective. The growing use of xylitol as a sweetener in low amounts in foods and other consumables is, simultaneously, increasing the overall exposure of the public to xylitol and may have additive benefits.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mean log10 CFU mutans streptococci/mL in plaque and unstimulated saliva by xylitol dose at 5 wks and at 6 mos (N=33 in each group). *Significant-difference group compared with placebo (G1) in least-significant-difference multiple comparisons. (Reprinted from Milgrom P, et al. 2006 with permission)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Mutans streptococci counts in plaque and unstimulated saliva at five weeks and best fit linear line. Linear reduction of mutans streptococci levels of xylitol chewing gum use at constant daily dose (10.32 g/day). Linear line equations: plaque -*log mutans streptococci = −.21(Frequency)+5.21; unstimulated saliva-**log mutans streptococci =−.19(frequency)+5.07. Group F0 = Sorbitol Control; F2 = xylitol 2x/d; F3 = xylitol 3x/d; F4 = xylitol 4x/d. N=33 subjects per group. (reprinted from Ly KA, et al., 2006)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Comparison of salivary xylitol concentrations (ng/mL) after using xylitol-containing gum and syrup (N=15). (Adapted from Riedy CA et al., 2008)
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