Mutans streptococci dose response to xylitol chewing gum.
Xylitol is promoted in caries-preventive strategies, yet its effective dose range is unclear. This study determined the dose-response of mutans streptococci in plaque and unstimulated saliva to xylitol gum. Participants (n = 132) were randomized: controls (G1) (sorbitol/maltitol), or combinations giving xylitol 3.44 g/day (G2), 6.88 g/day (G3), or 10.32 g/day (G4). Groups chewed 3 pellets/4 times/d. Samples were taken at baseline, 5 wks, and 6 mos, and were cultured on modified Mitis Salivarius agar for mutans streptococci and on blood agar for total culturable flora. At 5 wks, mutans streptococci levels in plaque were 10x lower than baseline in G3 and G4 (P = 0.007/0.003). There were no differences in saliva. At 6 mos, mutans streptococci in plaque for G3 and G4 remained 10x lower than baseline (P = 0.007/0.04). Saliva for G3 and G4 was lower than baseline by 8 to 9x (P = 0.011/0.038). Xylitol at 6.44 g/day and 10.32 g/day reduces mutans streptococci in plaque at 5 wks, and in plaque and unstimulated saliva at 6 mos. A plateau effect is suggested between 6.44 g and 10.32 g xylitol/day.
Milgrom
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Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, Northwest/Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195 USA. dfrc@u.washington.edu
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Roberts
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Mueller
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Yamaguchi
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002638:Chewing Gum; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects*; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014993:Xylitol / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D002638:Chewing Gum; D013549:Sweetening Agents; D014993:Xylitol