The
Role of Xylitol in Caries Prevention
- Xylitol is a sugar alcohol
produced from xylose (Wood Sugar) , obtained mainly from the white birch tree.
Corn cobs are another source of xylose and recently it has been produced
by fermentation.
- Sorbitol is also a sugar
alcohol and is produced primarily from corn starch in the U.S., but can be
made from other sources of starch, such as potatoes.
- Due to the increase of sugar
consumption, sugar substitutes are essential in caries prevention programs.
- Xylitol has good sweetening qualities
and caries protective properties. Use 2
sticks, 5x/day for 5 minutes.
- Its consumption does not promote
low pH in dental plaque probably by enhancing salivary flow and buffer capacity.
- It inhibits adhesion, growth
and metabolism of oral microorganisms. Suppresses ms even with
sucrose intake.
- It allows remineralization of
initial enamel lesions. Enhances reversals (Turku study).
- When it is incorporated to chewing-gum,
its action is increased due to the stimulation of salivary secretion.
- In association with fluoride,
a synergic action is observed.
(Anderson, MH. JADA,
124;37, 1993)
© Copyright-Dr.
Arnold D. Steinberg, 2001.