Comparison of Erythritol and Xylitol Saliva Stimulants in the Control of Dental Plaque and Mutans Streptococci

Abstract

The effect of 2–month usage of saliva–stimulating pastils containing either erythritol or xylitol was studied in a cohort of 30 subjects assigned to the respective polyol groups (n = 15). The daily consumption level of both polyols was 5.2 g, used in 5 daily chewing episodes. The mean weight of total plaque mass (collectable during a standard period of 3 min from all available tooth surfaces) was reduced significantly in the xylitol–group, while no such effect was observed in the erythritol–group. This reduction in plaque mass was accompanied by a significant reduction in the turbidity readings (A₆₆₀) of aqueous plaque suspensions; no such effect was observed in the erythritol–group. However, plaque protein levels did not differ between baseline and endpoint in either polyol group. The plaque and salivary levels of Streptococcus mutans and plaque levels of total streptococci were reduced significantly in the xylitol–group, while no such effect was detected in the erythritol–group. However, either polyol regimen had no effect on plaque levels of S. sobrinus. The results suggest that systematic use of xylitol–containing saliva stimulants may be more effective in controlling some oral–hygiene–related and caries–associated parameters than similar use of erythritol–containing products. The results also speak for a special relationship between xylitol and S. mutans. However, owing to the great potential of erythritol as a caries–reducing agent – based on the tetritol nature of erythritol – the present laboratory results should be considered preliminary and subject to verifying clinical studies.

Long-Term Effect of Xylitol Gum Use on Mutans Streptococci in Adults

“…MS may be able to adapt to a maltitol-rich environment during long-term use. Erythritol tablet consumption for 2 months did not influence MS levels in saliva [Mäkinen et al, 2001]. Therefore, xylitol gum use may be an exclusive measure for adults with respect to a reduction of MS levels.…”

Improvement of biotechnological xylitol production by glucose during cultive of Candida guilliermondii in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate

“…Xylitol, commercially produced by chemical processes (Melaja and Hämäläinen 1977), has attractive characteristics for food, pharmaceutical or odontological industries. Two of the most significant characteristics are its high sweetening and anti-cariogenic power (Makinen et al 2001). Thus, its metabolism is independent of insulin and it contributes less than other sugars to the formation of fat tissues, so xylitol is recommended to diabetic and obese people (Aguiar et al 1999;Makinen 2000).…”

Inhibitory effect of acetic acid on bioconversion of xylose in xylitol by Candida guilliermondii in sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate

“…Xylitol is an anticariogenic sweetener suitable for diabetic and obese people (10,13) and able to prevent osteoporosis (11) and otitis (19). Nowadays, xylitol is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of pure xylose extracted from wood hydrolysates.…”