[The polyols in pediatric dentistry: advantages of xylitol]

Sugars ingested outside of meals play an important role in the etiology of caries. In this respect, sugar substitutes present a very interesting alternative. In addition to the recommendations and usual care to their patients, dental surgeons also have to inform them on a dietetic level. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after any light meal when it is not followed by a brushing presents a real interest. The authors describe the different polyols and their respective uses. Polyols are widely found in foodstuffs (sweets, chewing-gum, biscuits, cooked meals for diabetic), pharmaceutical products (syrups, pastilles to be sucked, various medicines), non-pharmaceutical chemists (toothpastes, mouth-washes...). By the light of the most recent published works, the particular properties of xylitol are described. Polyols are more particularly indicated for sugar-eater or sick children (syrups), and for those carrying a hight risk of developing caries (progressive polycaries, hyposialie...). Therefore polyols are not only a means of stabilizing some pathologies (diabetes, obesity) but also a weapon in the prevention of dental caries.