Effects of Xylitol Mouthrinse on Streptococcus mutans
Available online 4 September 2012
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to measure the effect of xylitol mouthrinse on salivary Streptococcus mutans
counts. Methods: Subjects in the study group (n = 25) used xylitol
mouthrinse for 4 weeks, while another group (n = 25) used saccharine
mouthrinse. S. mutans were measured before and after intervention. Results: At the baseline the mean S. mutans
scores were 3.9 (SE = 0.03) and 3.9 (0.04) for the xylitol group and
control group respectively, while the scores were 2.8 (0.13) and 3.9
(0.07) after the intervention. Significant reductions (p< 0.01) in
the scores of S. mutans were found after the four week use of xylitol mouthrinse. Conclusions: Significant reductions in the scores of S. mutans were found after the four week use of 20% xylitol mouthrinse. The bacteriostatic effect of xylitol mouthrinse on S. mutans
may be comparable to other xylitol products. Further studies are needed
to confirm both the short and long term effects of xylitol mouthrinse.
Watch this Take Five With Marty video with Shirley Gutkowski RDH on the benefits of Xylitol
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