Xylitol, sweeteners, and dental caries.

Abstract

The purpose of this report was to provide an overview of xylitol and other polyol sweeteners and dental caries for clinicians and to discuss current applications for dental practice and potential community-based public health interventions. Xylitol, like other polyol sweeteners, is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol. Studies suggest polyols are noncariogenic. Furthermore, studies indicate that xylitol can decrease mutans streptococci levels in plaque and saliva and can reduce dental caries in young children, mothers, and in children via their mothers. Food products containing xylitol are now available and have the potential to be widely accessible to consumers to help control rampant decay. Determining whether products contain adequate xylitol amounts for practical use towards prevention is challenging, however, because xylitol content is not clearly labeled. Sufficient evidence exists to support the use of xylitol to reduce caries. Clinicians and dental associations should push for clear recommendations of efficacious dose and frequency of xylitol use and for clear labeling of xylitol content in products to help consumers choose appropriately.

• Authors: Kiet A Ly, Peter Milgrom, Marilynn Rothen
• Journal: Pediatric dentistry (Pediatr Dent) 2006 Mar-Apr Vol. 28 Issue 2 Pg. 154-63; discussion 192-8 ISSN: 0164-1263 [Print] United States
• PMID: 16708791 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• Cariostatic Agents
• Sugar Alcohols
• Sweetening Agents
• Xylitol

Topics

• Cariostatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Dental Caries (microbiology, prevention & control)
• Food
• Humans
• Streptococcus mutans (drug effects)
• Streptococcus sobrinus (drug effects)
• Sugar Alcohols (therapeutic use)
• Sweetening Agents (therapeutic use)
• Xylitol (therapeutic use)