Xylitol and its vehicles for public health needs

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

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Candy
  • Cariostatic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Chewing Gum
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Dental Plaque / microbiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Combinations
  • Humans
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Saliva / microbiology
  • Streptococcus mutans / drug effects*
  • Sweetening Agents / administration & dosage
  • Toothpastes
  • Xylitol / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Cariostatic Agents
  • Chewing Gum
  • Drug Combinations
  • Pharmaceutical Vehicles
  • Sweetening Agents
  • Toothpastes
  • Xylitol