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The effect of polyol‐combinant saliva stimulants on S. mutans levels in plaque and saliva of patients with mental retardation
Author(s) -
Mäkinen Kauko K.,
Isotupa Kauko P.,
Kivilompolo Taina,
Mäkinen PirkkoLiisa,
Murtomaa Satu,
Petäjä Juhani,
Toivanen Jukka,
Söderling Eva
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
special care in dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1754-4505
pISSN - 0275-1879
DOI - 10.1111/j.1754-4505.2002.tb00269.x
Subject(s) - xylitol , saliva , sorbitol , erythritol , streptococcus mutans , medicine , dentistry , polyol , dental plaque , food science , chemistry , bacteria , biology , organic chemistry , fermentation , polyurethane , genetics
The effect of chewable saliva‐stimulants on Streptococcus mutans levels in dental plaque and paraffin‐stimulated whole saliva among participants who were mentally disabled was investigated. Over 64‐days, 98 participants chewed one of four saliva‐stimulating tablets five times/day. The tablets contained one of the following: xylitol (X) or sorbitol (S), or 1:1 mixtures of xylitol and erythritol (XE) or sorbitol and erythritol (SE). Consumption of xylitol and sorbitol in Groups X and S was 5.4 grams/day/ subject, and of each polyol in Groups XE and SE, consumption was 2.7 g/day/subject. Interproximal dental plaque and stimulated whole saliva were sampled at baseline, at Day 36, and Day 64. There was a statistically significant reduction of S. mutans in plaque and saliva counts in Groups X and XE. The percentage of S. mutans in total streptococci increased significantly in dental plaque in Group S but decreased in the other groups. The results suggest that xylitol‐containing saliva stimulants may be more effective than sorbitol‐containing products in controlling some caries‐associated parameters in people who are mentally disabled. Also a relationship may exist between the pentitol‐type xylitol and S. mutans , and erythritol may exert a specific biochemical effect on this organism, although further studies are needed.