Biomaterial Database

Remineralizing potential, antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of xylitol and sorbitol sweetened chewing gum. 1992

L M Steinberg, and F Odusola, and I D Mandel

Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery, NY 10032.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of xylitol and sorbitol sweetened chewing gums on plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation and remineralizing potential of plaque following six weeks of use. Twenty-eight consenting individuals were randomly assigned to each of three phases (six weeks in duration) consisting of chewing xylitol gum, chewing sorbitol gum and a non-chewing phase. Subjects chewed one stick after every meal and at two other times for a total of five sticks per day. At the completion of each treatment phase, plaque and gingival indexes were performed and plaque was later collected. Calcium concentration in plaque was determined by atomic absorption spectophotometry. Reductions in plaque indexes were significant for both xylitol gum (p < 0.001) and sorbitol gum (p < 0.05) when compared to the no chewing period. The gingival indexes reflected a decrement in gingival inflammation with both xylitol and sorbitol, though only sorbitol values were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Chewing xylitol and sorbitol gums reduced plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. In addition, both gums enhanced the remineralization potential of plaque. Xylitol gum showed a superior effect with respect to remineralization potential and plaque reduction. Sorbitol gum had a superior effect on gingival health but not significantly so.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D010512	Periodontal Index	A numerical rating scale for classifying the periodontal status of a person or population with a single figure which takes into consideration prevalence as well as severity of the condition. It is based upon probe measurement of periodontal pockets and on gingival tissue status.	Bleeding on Probing, Gingival,CPITN,Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs,Gingival Bleeding on Probing,Gingival Index,Gingival Indexes,Periodontal Indexes,Gingival Indices,Index, Gingival,Index, Periodontal,Indexes, Gingival,Indexes, Periodontal,Indices, Gingival,Indices, Periodontal,Periodontal Indices
D002118	Calcium	A basic element found in nearly all tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes.	Coagulation Factor IV,Factor IV,Blood Coagulation Factor IV,Calcium-40,Calcium 40,Factor IV, Coagulation
D002638	Chewing Gum	A preparation of chicle, sometimes mixed with other plastic substances, sweetened and flavored. It is masticated usually for pleasure as a candy substitute but it sometimes acts as a vehicle for the administration of medication.	Chewing Gums,Gum, Chewing,Gums, Chewing
D003773	Dental Plaque	A film that attaches to teeth, often causing DENTAL CARIES and GINGIVITIS. It is composed of MUCINS, secreted from salivary glands, and microorganisms.	Plaque, Dental
D003774	Dental Plaque Index	An index which scores the degree of dental plaque accumulation.	Dental Plaque Indexes,Dental Plaque Indices,Index, Dental Plaque,Indexes, Dental Plaque,Indices, Dental Plaque
D005891	Gingivitis	Inflammation of gum tissue (GINGIVA) without loss of connective tissue.	Gingivitides
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013012	Sorbitol	A polyhydric alcohol with about half the sweetness of sucrose. Sorbitol occurs naturally and is also produced synthetically from glucose. It was formerly used as a diuretic and may still be used as a laxative and in irrigating solutions for some surgical procedures. It is also used in many manufacturing processes, as a pharmaceutical aid, and in several research applications.	Glucitol,Medevac,Sorbilax,Yal,klysma Sorbit
D014089	Tooth Remineralization	Therapeutic technique for replacement of minerals in partially decalcified teeth.	Remineralization, Tooth
D014993	Xylitol	A five-carbon sugar alcohol derived from XYLOSE by reduction of the carbonyl group. It is as sweet as sucrose and used as a noncariogenic sweetener.