[The polyols in pediatric dentistry: advantages of xylitol].
Sugars ingested outside of meals play an important role in the etiology of caries. In this respect, sugar substitutes present a very interesting alternative. In addition to the recommendations and usual care to their patients, dental surgeons also have to inform them on a dietetic level. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after any light meal when it is not followed by a brushing presents a real interest. The authors describe the different polyols and their respective uses. Polyols are widely found in foodstuffs (sweets, chewing-gum, biscuits, cooked meals for diabetic), pharmaceutical products (syrups, pastilles to be sucked, various medicines), non-pharmaceutical chemists (toothpastes, mouth-washes...). By the light of the most recent published works, the particular properties of xylitol are described. Polyols are more particularly indicated for sugar-eater or sick children (syrups), and for those carrying a hight risk of developing caries (progressive polycaries, hyposialie...). Therefore polyols are not only a means of stabilizing some pathologies (diabetes, obesity) but also a weapon in the prevention of dental caries.
Grillaud
M
M
Unité d'odontologie pédiatrique, hôpital Nord, chemin des Bourelly, Marseille, France.
Bandon
D
D
Nancy
J
J
Delbos
Y
Y
Vaysse
F
F
D002638:Chewing Gum; D002648:Child; D019140:Dental Care for Children; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry; D011108:Polymers; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014993:Xylitol / Q000494:pharmacology*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D011108:Polymers; D013549:Sweetening Agents; C024617:polyol; D014993:Xylitol