Influence of a low xylitol-dose on mutans streptococci colonisation and caries development in preschool children.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of xylitol-containing tablets on mutans streptococci colonisation and caries development in preschool children.


METHODS
Randomised single-blind prospective design.


METHODS
The material consisted of 132 healthy 2-year-old children, 71 boys and 61 girls and they were assigned to a xylitol tablet (test) group or a non-intervention control group. The mean age was 2 years + 1 month in both groups. The drop-out rate was 10.6% during the 2-year trial. The test group was given 1-2 xylitol tablets (0.5-1g) per day during 1.5 years. Mutans streptococci (MS) enumeration was performed at baseline and semi-annually in the children and at baseline or shortly after in the mothers with a chair-side technique. Caries prevalence was scored at baseline and the age of 4 years.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences in MS colonisation were disclosed between the test and control groups at baseline or any of the designated follow-ups. A statistically significant positive relationship was found between the maternal salivary MS levels and the colonisation of the children in the control group at 2.5 years, 3 years and 3.5 years (r=0.39, r=0.35; r=0.30; p<0.01, p<0.01 and p<0.05) but not in the xylitol tablet group (p<0.05). The mean caries prevalence was lower in the test group compared with the control group at 4 years of age (dmfs 0.38 +/-1.05 vs. 0.80 +/-2.60) but the difference was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings do not support a low-dose xylitol tablet program for caries prevention in preschool children.
Oscarson
P
P
Lycksele Public Dental Clinic, Umeå, Sweden.
Lif Holgerson
P
P
Sjöström
I
I
Twetman
S
S
Stecksén-Blicks
C
C
D002327:Cariostatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004245:DMF Index; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012463:Saliva / Q000382:microbiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013549:Sweetening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013607:Tablets; D014993:Xylitol / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D002327:Cariostatic Agents; D019422:Dietary Sucrose; D013549:Sweetening Agents; D013607:Tablets; D014993:Xylitol