Xylitol Chewing Gums on the Market: Do They Prevent Caries?

Area of Science:

• Oral health research
• Food science and analysis

Background:

• Xylitol is recognized for its role in caries prevention.
• The recommended daily intake of xylitol for optimal dental benefits is 6-7 grams.
• Sugar-free chewing gum is a common vehicle for xylitol consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the xylitol content in sugar-free chewing gums available in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
• To assess if these products provide the recommended daily dose of xylitol for caries prevention.
• To evaluate the acidogenic potential of these gums in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-one xylitol-containing chewing gums were procured from the GCC market.
• Xylitol concentration was determined using an enzymatic kit after extraction.
• In vitro pH measurements were conducted using Streptococcus mutans, and in vivo pH changes in saliva and plaque were monitored in human subjects.

Main Results:

• Labeling of xylitol content was inconsistent, with only one product clearly stating the amount in grams.
• The mean xylitol content per piece of gum was 0.33 ± 0.21 g.
• Most products contained less than 0.5 g of xylitol per piece, falling short of the prophylactic dose.

Conclusions:

• The majority of xylitol chewing gums marketed in the GCC region do not supply adequate xylitol for effective caries prevention.
• There is a need for clear and accurate product labeling regarding xylitol content.
• Further research into the effectiveness of available products is warranted.