Results from the Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although caries is prevalent in adults, investigators have tested few preventive therapies in adult populations. In a randomized controlled trial, the authors evaluated the effectiveness of xylitol lozenges in preventing caries in adults at elevated risk of developing caries.

Methods

The Xylitol for Adult Caries Trial (X-ACT) was a three-site placebo-controlled randomized trial. Participants (n = 691) aged 21 through 80 years consumed five 1.0-gram xylitol or placebo lozenges daily for 33 months. They underwent clinical examinations at baseline and at 12, 24 and 33 months.

Results

Xylitol lozenges reduced the caries increment 10 percent. This reduction, which represented less than one-third of a surface per year, was not statistically significant. There was

SUBMITTER: Bader JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3926805 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature