Effect of aqueous solutions of sorbitol-xylitol on plaque metabolism and on growth of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

The present study showed that the growth of Streptococcus mutans strain GS5 was inhibited by xylitol, and this indicates together with previous reports that this is a common phenomenon in this species. Sorbitol was found to increase the growth of S. mutans strains OMZ 176 and GS5 slightly compared with cultures with no external carbon source. Addition of small amounts of xylitol to the sorbitol cultures gave a growth below that of cultures with no extra carbon. Dental plaque challenged with sorbitol gave a small pH drop whereas xylitol caused a negligible decrease in pH. Sorbitol-xylitol challenges gave less acid production than sorbitol challenges alone.