The Xylitol Applicability and its Effects in Health Area Worldwide: A Bibliometric Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials

ABSTRACT Objective To describe and evaluate the xylitol products' applicability and its effects in the health area worldwide utilizing a bibliometric analysis from randomized controlled trials (RCT) with humans. Material and Methods Electronic searches were carried out in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and VHL databases. The main data extracted were: year, area of applicability, type of treatment, country, journal, xylitol posology and concentration, presentation form, outcomes, and effects. Results From 1476 studies, 257 were included. These studies were published between 1973-2021. The majority was carried out in dentistry (73.9%) and under preventive treatment (67.4%). These studies were developed in the USA (15.4%) and published in Caries Research (6.6%). The posology and concentration ranged between 0.004-67 g/day and 0.002-100%, respectively. The xylitol is usually used in the chewing gum form (44.0%), and for antimicrobial activity evaluation (38.5%). A positive effect was observed in 204 studies (79.3%) and was associated with xylitol concentration ≥ 15(p=0.007). Side effects were reported in 8.2and were associated with posology ≥ 5 g/day (p=0.03). Conclusion Most studies with xylitol were conducted to prevent diseases in the dentistry field. The chewing gum form and antimicrobial activity evaluation were more frequent. Most xylitol products have a positive effect, and few studies report side effects.

Remineralizing Effect of Xilitol, Juniperus Communis and Camellia Sinensis Added to a Toothpaste: An In Vitro Study / Efecto remineralizante del Xilitol, Juniperus Communis y Camellia Sinensis adicionados en pastas dentales: Estudio in vitro

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to explore the remineralizing effect of toothpastes based on Xilitol, Camellia Sinensis and Juniperus Communis. An in vitro experimental study was carried out in an 18 human premolars sample, which were treated with one of the 3 evaluated toothpastes and a control fluoride one. The atomic percentages of Ca and P were evaluated by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). In addition, the enamel surface of treated teeth was visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The evaluations were carried out in three stages: pre-treatment, after an artificial demineralization process and after the treatment with the toothpastes. In the statistical analysis, the one-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation tests were used. Xilitol and Juniperus Communis showed the greatest gain of P ions compared to the control group (p<0.01). As for Ca, the group treated with xylitol-based toothpaste showed more ion gain compared with the control group (p<0.01). In the Pearson correlation test between Ca and P, statistically significant correlations were observed in all groups (p<0.01), ranging between r=0.7413 (Xylitol Group) and r=0.9510 (Control Group). We concluded that Xylitol paste showed the highest remineralizing property, both in the EDS analysis and in the SEM images.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este studio fue explorer el efecto remineralizante de las cremas dentales compuestas de Xilitol, Camelia Sinensis y Juniperus Communis. Se llevó a cabo un estudio experimental in vitro en una muestra de 18 premolares humanos, los cuales fueron tratados con una de las tres pastas dentales evaluadas y una fluorada. Los porcentajes atomicos de Ca y P fueron evaluados por Espectroscopia de rayos X de energía dispersive (EDS). Además, la superficie del esmalte de los dientes tratados fue examinada por Microscopia Electronica de Barrido (SEM). Las evaluaciones fueron llevadas a cabo en tres etapas: pre-tratamiento, despues de un proceso artificial de desmineralizacion y después del tratamiento con las pastas dentales. Se usaron ANOVA de una via y correlacion de Pearson para el analisis estadistico. Xilitol y Juniperus Communis mostraron la mayor ganancia de iones P comparados con el grupo control (p<0.01), con rangos entre r=0.7413 (Grupo con Xylitol) and r=0.9510 (Group Control). Se concluyó que la pasta con Xilitol mostró las mayores propiedades remineralizantes, tanto en el analisis EDS y las imágenes SEM.

Efecto de una Pasta Dental Comercial Conteniendo Xilitol Sobre el Recuento de Streptococcus Mutans en Saliva de Gestantes: Ensayo Clínico Controlado Aleatorizado / Effect of a Commercial Toothpaste Containing Xylitol on the Count of Streptococcus Mutans in Saliva of Pregnant Women: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar el efecto de una pasta dental comercial conteniendo xilitol sobre el recuento de Streptococcus mutans en saliva de gestantes. El presente fue un ensayo clínico, a doble ciego, que se realizó en el Centro de Salud "José Olaya" (Chiclayo Perú), en enero de 2017. Se trabajó con una población muestral de 50 gestantes en el segundo trimestre que cumplieron con los criterios establecidos, distribuyéndolas en dos grupos: 25 gestantes usaron pasta dental con 10 % de xilitol y 25 gestantes usaron pasta dental sin xilitol. Se les tomó y procesó microbiológicamente una muestra de saliva antes del inicio del estudio y 14 días después del uso de las respectivas pastas. Se realizó el recuento de unidades formadoras de colonias (UFC) de Streptococcus mutans en saliva con una confiabilidad altamente significativa mediante el Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase, calibración intra e interexaminador (1,000 y 0,999, respectivamente). El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante la prueba U de Mann-Whitney, considerando un nivel de significancia del 5 %. No se encontró diferencia entre las gestantes que emplearon pasta dental con xilitol en comparación con las que utilizaron pasta sin xilitol (p=0,062). Se concluyó que el efecto de la pasta dental comercial conteniendo xilitol es similar a una pasta sin xilitol sobre el recuento de Streptococcus mutans en saliva de gestantes.

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of a commercial toothpaste containing xylitol on the counts of Streptococcus mutans in saliva of pregnant women. The present was a double-blind clinical trial performed at the "José Olaya" health Centre (Chiclayo Peru) in January 2017. We worked with a sample population of 50 pregnant in the second trimester that met the established criteria, distributing in two groups: 25 pregnant women used toothpaste with 10 % xylitol and 25 pregnant used toothpaste without xylitol. They were taken and microbiologically processed a sample of saliva before the start of the study and 14 days after the use of the respective toothpastes. The Colony-forming units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans in saliva were counted with a highly significant reliability through the intraclass correlation coefficient, Intra-and Interexaminer calibration (1.000 and 0.999, respectively). Data analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test, considering a 5 % significance level. No difference was found among the pregnant women who used xylitol toothpaste compared to those who used toothpaste without xylitol (p = 0,062). It was concluded that the effect of xylitol containing commercial toothpaste is similar to a toothpaste without xylitol on the count of Streptococcus mutans in the saliva of pregnant women.

The effect of Propolis and Xylitol chewing gums on salivary Streptococcus mutans count: A clinical trial.

Background: Streptococcus mutans is one of the most common cariogenic microorganisms. Use of natural anticariogenic agents, such as Xylitol has been well‑established in the literature. On the other hand, there is a scarcity of studies that have reported the antimicrobial potential of Propolis as an anticariogenic chewing agent; hence, the present study was designed. Aims: To evaluate and compare the anticariogenic action of two commercial chewing gums Propolis and Xylitol on the salivary S. mutans count in a group of children from Bengaluru city. Settings and Design: Clinical setting and experimental design. Materials and Methods: Thirty healthy children aged 8–11 years with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft)/DMFT index score ≥3 were included in the study. Before the test, unstimulated saliva was collected. Children divided into Group I and II were given Propolis and Xylitol chewing gums respectively; to chew for 15 min. Saliva samples were then collected at 15 min (just after spitting) and after 1 h. The amount of S. mutans in saliva was evaluated using a selective media (MSAB). In addition, compliance of the two chewing gums among the children was tested with a questionnaire. Statistical Analysis Used: Student’s t‑test. Results: Six samples out of 30 were excluded due to no growth. The total number of bacterial colonies was significantly reduced when compared to baseline in both the groups. Propolis gum showed statistically significant reduction in the number of colonies as compared to Xylitol. Xylitol gum was more preferred than Propolis gum by the children. Conclusions: Propolis chewing gum can be used as an anticariogenic agent in children.

Effect of xylitol chewing gum on dental plaque, saliva flow and saliva buffer capacity in Chilean youngsters / Efecto de chicles con xilitol sobre placa bacteriana, flujo salival y capacidad buffer de la saliva en adolescentes chilenos

Prevention is the area of dentistry that should be given more emphasis to reduce further consequences on the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to assess the use of xylitol chewing gum on dental plaque, saliva flow and saliva buffer capacity in youngster. Fifteen dental students were randomly assigned to a study and control group, the first received a xylitol chewing gum while the second a placebo chewing gum, provided 4 times per day for 21 days. Dental plaque, saliva flow and saliva ph were measures at day 0, 7, 14 and 21st. Dental plaque concentration decreased in both groups (p >0,05), saliva flow increased (p>0,05) and saliva ph was incremented but no significant differences were found among groups (p>0,05). The use of xylitol chewing gum helps to reduce dental plaque, increase saliva flow and ph, like the placebo chewing gum, but a larger study is needed to properly assess if xylitol has an additional benefit on the studied variables.

La prevención es el área de la odontología a la que se le debe dar más énfasis para disminuir posteriores consecuencias sobre la cavidad oral. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del uso de chicles con xilitol sobre placa bacteriana, flujo salival y capacidad buffer de la saliva en jóvenes. Participaron 15 alumnos de quinto año, se asignaron al azar en un grupo de estudio y un grupo control, consumiendo chicles con xilitol y un placebo respectivamente, 4 veces al día por 21 días. Se midió placa bacteriana, flujo salival y capacidad buffer de la saliva al día 0, 7, 14 y 21. La placa bacteriana se redujo en ambos grupos tras 21 días de tratamiento sin obtener valores significativos (p>0,05). Asimismo el flujo salival aumentó tanto en el grupo de estudio como en el grupo de control, pero sin encontrar resultados significativos (p>0,05). El pH salival aumentó en ambos grupos, sin obtener valores significativos (p>0,05). Los resultados sugieren quemasticar chicles con xilitol disminuye la placa bacteriana, aumenta el flujo salival y la capacidad buffer de la saliva, pero estudios con un mayor número de pacientes deberían realizarse para obtener valores significativos.

Effect of cetylpyridinium chloride with xylitol on the formation of biofilm anddevelopment of gingivitis

Aim: To assess the effect of the combination of cetylpyridinium chloride and xylitol on the formation of dental biofilm and development of experimental gingivitis. Methods: A crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted and divided into two phases of 21 days each with a time interval of 10 days between them. A modified experimental gingivitis model was used and 31 volunteers were randomly divided into 2 groups. The volunteers performed daily mouthwashes twice a day with the test solution containing cetylpyridinium combined with xylitol or a placebo solution. On day 0 and day 21 of each phase the Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) of each volunteer were measured. During this phase, the volunteers brushed their teeth with standard toothbrushes and dentifrice, protecting the third quadrant with a toothshield. After brushing, the toothshield was removed and the mouthwash was used. Results: The PI values observed in the Test Group at baseline and on day 21 were 0 (0.00 – 0.03) and 0 (0.22-0.48) respectively, and in Control Group 0 (0.00 – 0.03) and 1 (0.45 – 0.81) (inter-group analysis - McNemar test, p<0.05). For GI, the values obtained in the Test Group were 0 (0.00 – 0.03) and 1 (0.48 – 0.71), at baseline and day 21 and in Control Group 0 (0.00 – 0.03) and 1 (0.58 – 0.84) (inter-group analysis - McNemar test, p>0.05). Conclusions: The test solution had a positive effect on dental biofilm control. However, it was not capable of preventing the development of experimental gingivitis.

Xilitol y prevención de otitis media aguda / Xylitol and acute otitis media prevention

La otitis media aguda (OMA) es una patología extraordinariamente frecuente en escolares y lactantes, siendo la primera causa de uso de antibióticos en este último grupo. Elprincipal agente involucrado es el S. pneumoniae. Se ha postulado la hipótesis de que el xilitol, un poliol presente en la corteza de abedules, podría tener efectos inhibitorios sobre ésta y otras bacterias otopatógenas en el momento en que se encuentran en la rinofaringe, lo que podría resultar efectivo a la hora de prevenir la invasión de la cavidad timpánica y por ende el desarrollo de OMA. En esta revisión se analizan los estudios realizados que respaldan el uso del xilitol como profilaxis de OMA.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is an extremely common disease in school children and infants, which is the first cause of antibiotic use in this latter group. The main agent involved is S pneumoniae. It has proposed the hypothesis thatxylitol, a polyol which is present in the bark of birch, may have inhibitory effects on this bacteria and another otopathogen at the time found in the nasopharynx, which may be effective in preventing the invasion of the tympanic cavity and thus the development of AOM. In this review, is it discussed the studies supporting the use of xylitol prophylaxisof AOM.

Estudo dos efeitos de um verniz contendo xilitol sobre estreptcocos do grupo mutans / Study of effects of a xylitol varnish on mutans streptococci

O presente estudo foi dividido em quatro etapas distintas. A primeira etapa teve por objetivo avaliar a liberação de xilitol na saliva de humanos ao longo do tempo após aplicação de verniz controle e contendo 10% e 20% de xilitol. Um estudo cruzado foi realizado pela aplicação de 32 mg de cada verniz sobre as superfícies vestibulares de todos os incisivos centrais de 10 voluntários. Amostras salivares foram coletadas no baseline e após 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 1 h 30 min, 2 h, 4 h e 8 h da aplicação dos vernizes para posterior análise da concentração de xilitol na saliva. Um estudo clínico foi realizado na segunda etapa com o objetivo de verificar a influência do verniz contendo xilitol a 20% sobre a contagem de estreptococos do grupo mutans provenientes de biofilme dentário. Semanalmente, 32 mg de verniz controle (grupo G1) ou verniz contendo xilitol a 20% (grupo G2) foram aleatoriamente aplicados sobre as superfícies vestibulares dos incisivos centrais de 67 crianças. Após quatro semanas de procedimento, amostras de biofilme dentário foram coletadas do terço cervical de todos os dentes presentes na cavidade bucal e a contagem relativa e absoluta dos microrganismos foi determinada. A terceira etapa objetivou analisar a influência do xilitol sobre a ultra-estrutura de Streptococcus mutans ATCC 33478 e Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 25175. Além disso, a capacidade do xilitol e do flúor em promover estresse celular em S. mutans UA 159 geneticamente modificados (deleção do gene vicK) foi determinada na quarta etapa. As concentrações de xilitol na saliva (F=5,228, p=0,024) em diferentes tempos de coleta (F=18,24, p<0,0001) foram estatisticamente diferentes após aplicação dos vernizes contendo 10% e 20% do açúcar (etapa 1). Na etapa 2, contagens absolutas inicial e final de estreptococos do grupo mutans (Teste-t, p=0,4192) e de estreptococos totais (Teste-t, p=0,3506) não foram significativamente diferentes nos indivíduos pertencentes ao grupo G2...

This study was divided in four distinct stages. The first one aimed to assess the xylitol release in human saliva along time after application of control, 10% or 20% xylitol varnishes. A cross-over design study was performed by application of 32 mg of each varnish on buccal surfaces of all incisors of 10 volunteers. Salivary samples were collected to analyze the xylitol concentration in baseline and after 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 1 h 30 min, 2 h, 4 h and 8 h from varnishes application. A clinical study was executed in the second stage aiming observe the influence of 20% xylitol varnish on mutans streptococci counts from dental plaque. Weekly, 32 mg of control varnish (group G1) or 20% xylitol varnish (group G2) were randomly applied on buccal surfaces of central incisors of 67 children. After 4 weeks of procedures, dental plaque samples were collected from cervical of all teeth and relative and absolute counts of microorganisms were determined. The third stage aimed to analyze the effect of xylitol on the ultrastructure of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 33478 and Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 25175. Moreover, the capacity of xylitol and fluoride to promote cellular stress in S. mutans UA 159 knockout vick gene was determined in the fourth stage. Salivary xylitol concentrations (F=5,228, p=0,024) in different collection times (F=18,24, p<0,0001) were statistically different after 10% and 20% varnishes application (stage 1). In stage 2, initial and final absolute mutans streptococci (Teste-t, p=0,4192) and total streptococci counts (Teste-t, p=0,3506) did not differ significantly in volunteers from group G2. However, a significant reduction of initial and final relative mutans streptococci counts was observed in relation to total streptococci (Teste-t, p= 0,0095). 20% xylitol promoted alterations in morphology of S. mutans ATCC 33478 and S. sobrinus, ATCC 25175, resulting in more diffuse and less...

Estudo dos efeitos de um verniz contendo xilitol sobre estreptcocos do grupo mutans / Study of effects of a xylitol varnish on mutans streptococci

O presente estudo foi dividido em quatro etapas distintas. A primeira etapa teve por objetivo avaliar a liberação de xilitol na saliva de humanos ao longo do tempo após aplicação de verniz controle e contendo 10% e 20% de xilitol. Um estudo cruzado foi realizado pela aplicação de 32 mg de cada verniz sobre as superfícies vestibulares de todos os incisivos centrais de 10 voluntários. Amostras salivares foram coletadas no baseline e após 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 1 h 30 min, 2 h, 4 h e 8 h da aplicação dos vernizes para posterior análise da concentração de xilitol na saliva. Um estudo clínico foi realizado na segunda etapa com o objetivo de verificar a influência do verniz contendo xilitol a 20% sobre a contagem de estreptococos do grupo mutans provenientes de biofilme dentário. Semanalmente, 32 mg de verniz controle (grupo G1) ou verniz contendo xilitol a 20% (grupo G2) foram aleatoriamente aplicados sobre as superfícies vestibulares dos incisivos centrais de 67 crianças. Após quatro semanas de procedimento, amostras de biofilme dentário foram coletadas do terço cervical de todos os dentes presentes na cavidade bucal e a contagem relativa e absoluta dos microrganismos foi determinada. A terceira etapa objetivou analisar a influência do xilitol sobre a ultra-estrutura de Streptococcus mutans ATCC 33478 e Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 25175. Além disso, a capacidade do xilitol e do flúor em promover estresse celular em S. mutans UA 159 geneticamente modificados (deleção do gene vicK) foi determinada na quarta etapa. As concentrações de xilitol na saliva (F=5,228, p=0,024) em diferentes tempos de coleta (F=18,24, p<0,0001) foram estatisticamente diferentes após aplicação dos vernizes contendo 10% e 20% do açúcar (etapa 1). Na etapa 2, contagens absolutas inicial e final de estreptococos do grupo mutans (Teste-t, p=0,4192) e de estreptococos totais (Teste-t, p=0,3506) não foram significativamente diferentes nos indivíduos pertencentes ao grupo G2...

This study was divided in four distinct stages. The first one aimed to assess the xylitol release in human saliva along time after application of control, 10% or 20% xylitol varnishes. A cross-over design study was performed by application of 32 mg of each varnish on buccal surfaces of all incisors of 10 volunteers. Salivary samples were collected to analyze the xylitol concentration in baseline and after 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 h, 1 h 30 min, 2 h, 4 h and 8 h from varnishes application. A clinical study was executed in the second stage aiming observe the influence of 20% xylitol varnish on mutans streptococci counts from dental plaque. Weekly, 32 mg of control varnish (group G1) or 20% xylitol varnish (group G2) were randomly applied on buccal surfaces of central incisors of 67 children. After 4 weeks of procedures, dental plaque samples were collected from cervical of all teeth and relative and absolute counts of microorganisms were determined. The third stage aimed to analyze the effect of xylitol on the ultrastructure of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 33478 and Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 25175. Moreover, the capacity of xylitol and fluoride to promote cellular stress in S. mutans UA 159 knockout vick gene was determined in the fourth stage. Salivary xylitol concentrations (F=5,228, p=0,024) in different collection times (F=18,24, p<0,0001) were statistically different after 10% and 20% varnishes application (stage 1). In stage 2, initial and final absolute mutans streptococci (Teste-t, p=0,4192) and total streptococci counts (Teste-t, p=0,3506) did not differ significantly in volunteers from group G2. However, a significant reduction of initial and final relative mutans streptococci counts was observed in relation to total streptococci (Teste-t, p= 0,0095). 20% xylitol promoted alterations in morphology of S. mutans ATCC 33478 and S. sobrinus, ATCC 25175, resulting in more diffuse and less...

The use of xylitol as a strategy for prevention of dental caries / Utilização do xilitol como uma estratégia para prevenção da cárie dentária

Dental caries is a multifactorial disease, which depends on the fermentation of carbohydrates by microorganisms of the dental biofilm. Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol, which cannot be fermented by oral cariogenic bacteria. This article aimed to review the literature on the use of xylitol for prevention of dental caries. There is little conclusive scientific evidence about this subject, although several studies have been performed. The development of products and clinical protocols should be based on studies with sound experimental design, which will permit the understanding of clinical and laboratorial parameters, such as mecanisms of action, vehicles of delivery, dose-response effects, and frequency of use of the polyol. Clarification of the potential and limitations of the use of xylitol for prevention of dental caries would help clinicians to select preventive protocols more efficient and cost-effective for specific groups.

A cárie dentária é uma doença multifatorial, dependente da fermentação de carboidratos por microrganismos formadores do biofilme dentário. O xilitol é um açúcar-álcool que não pode ser fermentado por bactérias orais cariogênicas. Esta revisão da literatura teve por objetivo propiciar o maior entendimento sobre o uso do xilitol na prevenção da cárie dentária. Apesar de inúmeros trabalhos realizados na área, poucas são as evidências científicas sobre o tema. O desenvolvimento de produtos e protocolos capazes de tornar o xilitol mais eficiente e eficaz contra a cárie dentária só será possível através da realização de estudos mais bem delineados, pautados no entendimento de parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, como mecanismos de ação, veículo de administração, efeito dose-resposta e frequência de uso. O esclarecimento do potencial e das limitações de uso do xilitol para prevenção de cárie dentária auxiliaria o cirurgião dentista na seleção de protocolos preventivos mais eficientes e com melhor custobenefício para grupos específicos.

Revisão de literatura: utilização do xilitol para a prevenção de otite média aguda / Literature review: use of xylitol for prevention of acute otitis media

Introdução: O xilitol é um carboidrato naturalmente encontrado em diversas frutas e vegetais. Estudos têm demonstrado o uso do xilitol como uma estratégia inovadora na prevenção de otite média aguda (OMA). Objetivo: Esclarecer os possíveis mecanismos de ação do xilitol sobre a inibição do crescimento de bactérias otopatogênicas e descrever estudos que contribuem para a discussão sobre a viabilidade deste carboidrato na prevenção de OMA. Método: Revisão de literatura baseado em artigos científicos selecionados por meio das bases médicas MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed (MeSH) e Web of Science. Resultados: Trabalhos demonstraram que o xilitol é eficaz na prevenção de OMA quando administrado em gomas de mascar cinco vezes ao dia. Porém, o carboidrato não é tão efetivo quando administrado durante infecções de vias aéreas superiores. Comentários Finais: O xilitol parece ser uma estratégia eficaz na prevenção de otite média aguda. No entanto, novos estudos são necessários para estabelecer doses, frequências e veículos ideais para a correta administração do açúcar, possibilitando sua utilização no sistema público de saúde.

Introduction: Xylitol is a sugar naturally found in various vegetables and fruits. Studies have demonstrated that the xylitol can be used as new preventive method for acute otitis media (AOM). Objective: To clarify the possible mechanisms of xylitol actions to inhibit the growth of otopathogenic bacteria and to describe researches that contribute for the discussion about the feasibility of the use of this sugar in the prevention of AOM. Method: Literature review based on scientific articles selected by means of the medical databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed (MeSH) and Web of Science. Results: Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of xylitol to prevent the AOM, when it is administered five times a day in chewing gum. However, this sugar is not so effective in the prevention of AOM during upper airways infections. Final Comments: Xylitol seems to be an effective strategy in prevention of acute otitis media. However, new studies are necessary to establish ideal doses, frequencies and vehicles for the correct administration of the sugar, which allows for its utilization in the public health system.

Avaliação da variação do pH salivar através da utilização de gomas de mascar contendo xilitol / Evaluation of saliva pH variation through the use of xilitol chewing gums

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o xilitol contido em uma goma de mascar mediante a variação do pH salivar, comparando-o com a clorexidina. Foram selecionadas 19 crianças que não possuíam clinicamente atividade de cárie. Utilizou-se: xilitol (grupo teste). clorexidina (controle positivo) e sacarose (controle negativo). Coletou-se a saliva de cada criança e foram medidos os pH iniciais e após o uso de cada substância (pH final). Foi concluído que a ação do xilitol na elevação do pH salivar pode ser considerada um efeito anticariogênico, assim como a clorexidina.

Xilitol: uma alternativa natural à prevençäo da cárie dentária / Xylitol: a natural alternative to the dental caries prevention

A proposta deste estudo visa avaliaçäo da importância do xilitol como recurso alternativo no combate á cárie dentária nesta geraçäo de substitutos de açúcares. Através da revisäo literária pudemos avaliar os aspectos anticariogênicos e cariostáticos do xilitol. Apresentamos nesta revisäo, o metabolismo, as vantagens, as desvantagens e os efeitos diretos do xilitolna formaçäo das cáries. Foi concluído neste estudo, que o uso do xilitol pode ser um importante meio para a prevençäo e assim como para evitar a evoluçäo das cáries dentárias

Efeito de um programa näo-invasivo na progressäo da cárie dentária / The non-invasive program effect in dental carie progress

O estudo foi conduzido em uma creche na favela do Vidigal, Rio de Janeiro. Noventa e três crianças entre 5 e 7 anos de idade, as quais nunca haviam recebido nenhum tipo de tratamento operatório, foram examinadas em relaçäo ao CPO-S. As lesöes de cárie foram avaliadas quanto à sua profundidade (PLC). Um programa näo-invasivo foi iniciado, o qual consistia de escovaçäo semanal supervisionada, usando dentifrício contendo flúor e xilitol. Avaliaram-se o CPO-S e o PLC após 12 e 24 meses depois de iniciado o programa. O CPO-S näo apresentou diferença estatisticamente significativa entre o baseline e o primeiro ano. Houve, no entanto, um declínio estatisticamente significativo entre o baseline e o segundo ano (p=0.0075). Observou-se uma tendência das lesöes de cárie entre o baseline e o segundo ano, através do índice PLC, e estas observaçöes foram estatisticamente significativas (p=0.0029)