EFFECTIVENESS OF XYLITOL TOOTHPASTE IN CARIES PREVENTION: A REVIEW ARTICLE

This study aims to summarize the evidence of the effectiveness of xylitol toothpastes with a focus on caries, namely on its prevention and reduction. Materials and methods: A thorough literature review was performed after conducting an electronic search through Medline, PubMed (Central), Scopus, Web of Science (Scielo), Google scholar, and the Cochrane Library (from 2000 to November 2022) to identify studies relevant to the effectiveness of xylitol toothpastes in caries prevention. Results: The number of studies that have been found in the literature to meet the criteria for inclusion in this article has been limited. Number of studies have analyzed the effect of xylitol on vehicles such chewing gums, gummy bears, lozenges or candies and not on toothpastes. Eight papers have been found that have met the criteria for inclusion in this article so that their results could be compared and discussed. The results of these studies regarding the effectiveness of xylitol toothpastes in oral health were quite convenient Conclusion: Positive proven properties of xylitol such as: biocompatibility with oral tissues, anti-caries effect, antibacterial effect, demineralization inhibitor and remineralization enhancer, makes xylitol an effective caries preventive and cariostatic agent and it should be part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent caries. Clearly can be concluded that xylitol should be consider as the most suitable sugar substitute in toothpastes.