Xylitol and Tooth Decay

A recent study suggests that contrary to other reports that a sugar substitute called xylitol may not reduce the presence of the tooth decay-causing bacterium Streptococcus mutans.

Early studies have suggested that xylitol-containing lozenges and chewing gum may help prevent tooth decay in permanent teeth.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry evaluated the effect of xylitol-sweetened chewing gum on the presence of S. mutans in 105 patients with high levels of the bacterium.

The researchers randomly assigned the patients to one of three groups for three months. The first group chewed two pieces of xylitol-containing gum for at least five minutes three times daily. This amounted to a total of 4.3 grams of xylitol per day. The second group rinsed their mouths with 20 milliliters of liquid xylitol for 60 seconds twice daily, totaling 4.4 grams of xylitol per day. The third group received no treatment.

The researchers recorded bacterium levels before and after treatment.

The authors noted that bacterium levels were similar among all three groups after the study period. However, the xylitol groups did have slightly lower levels of the bacterium after treatment. Additional research is necessary to further evaluate the potential effects of xylitol.

For more information about xylitol, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

References
1.Hildebrandt G, Lee I, Hodges J. Oral mutans streptococci levels following use of a xylitol mouth rinse: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Spec Care Dentist. 2010 Mar-Apr;30(2):53-8. View Abstract
2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. www.naturalstandard.com

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