Effect of Polyol Gums on Salivary S Mutans Levels

The predominant sugar substitutes used in chewing gum are polyols which are low-caloric substances. The polyols most frequently used in chewing gums are sorbitol and xylitol. Aim:The present study assessed the effectiveness of xylitol and sorbitol chewing-gums on levels of S mutans in saliva. Method: The study group consisted of 30 normal and healthy males aged between 13-17 years. A pellet of gum (sorbitol or xylitol) was given to each participant after breakfast (8am), lunch (2pm) and dinner (8pm) for the study period of 3 months. On the first day of the study, baseline salivary samples were collected after breakfast from all participants and assessed for S mutans levels. At the end of 3 months, salivary samples were collected and processed in a similar manner. Conclusion: Salivary S mutans levels showed a significant reduction after the use of xylitol based chewing gum than with sorbitol based chewing gum.

xylitol, sorbitol, S mutans, polyols, chewing gums

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