title: Effect of a xylitol chewing gum on plaque quantity and quality.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to further investigate the plaque-reducing effect of a xylitol-containing chewing gum. Ninety-six dental students were divided randomly into three groups: a sucrose group (n = 32), a xylitol group (n = 36) and a control group (n = 28), using a sucrose-containing chewing gum, a xylitol-containing chewing gum, or no chewing gum, respectively, during a three-day experimental plaque growth period with restricted oral hygiene. The fresh weight of plaque collected in the xylitol group was 40% lower than in the sucrose group, along with a significantly lower mean plaque index. The use of the xylitol chewing gum induced low invertase-like activity in plaque extra-cellular phase together with low carbohydrate content. These results concur to indicate advantageous effects through the use of a xylitol-containing chewing gum.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013393:Sucrase / Q000378:metabolism; D013395:Sucrose; D014993:Xylitol
chemical_list: D002638:Chewing Gum; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D013395:Sucrose; D013393:Sucrase; D005947:Glucose; D014993:Xylitol