Specific effects of xylitol chewing gum on mutans streptococci levels, plaque accumulation and caries occurrence: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

A systematic review of published data was carried out to assess specific effects of xylitol chewing gum on levels of mutans streptococci (MS), dental plaque, or caries.

Materials and methods

Electronic and hand searches were performed to find clinical studies on levels of MS, or plaque, or caries comparing effects of xylitol gum with a polyol control gum. Prospective randomized or controlled clinical studies published before 2025 were included in the review.

Results

The search identified 908 titles on MS, 879 titles on plaque, and 658 on caries to be evaluated. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles on MS, ten on plaque and five on caries were reviewed. In 12/14 studies xylitol gum significantly decreased MS counts compared with sorbito

SUBMITTER: Soderling E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12305977 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature