Concentration in Saliva and Antibacterial Effect of Xylitol Chewing Gum: In Vivo and In Vitro Study

Fabio Cocco,Guglielmo Campus,Osama Majdub,Maria Grazia Cagetti

doi:10.3390/app10082900

Fabio Cocco, Guglielmo Campus + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/app10082900

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Abstract

Purpose. The saliva concentration of xylitol released from two chewing gums was recorded, the first containing xylitol as the only sweetener (100% xylitol) and the second containing only 22% of the polyol. In addition, the in vitro antibacterial effect of the two chewing gums was evaluated. Materials and Methods. The salivary concentration of Xylitol in 32 subjects was determined before and at 0.30, 1.00, 2.00, 5.00, and 10.00 min while using the chewing gums, and at 15.00, 20.00, and 25.00 min after the gums were discarded. In vitro antibacterial activity was determined on a pooled subgingival plaque sample obtained from four patients with periodontal disease. Cariogenic and periodontal bacteria were evaluated before and 15 min, 60 min, and 24 h after gum contact. Results. Using the 100% xylitol chewing gum, saliva levels increased bimodally, one peak after 30 s (1.49 ± 1.41 logμg/L) and a second one at a 10-min evaluation (1.41 ± 1.11 logμg/L); the 22% chewing gum peaked only two minute after contact (1.21 ± 1.24 logμg/L). Overall, a statistically significantly higher salivary concentration of xylitol was detected using the 100% xylitol gum. All bacteria decreased after the addition of the two chewing gums; the 100% gum achieved a greater decrease than the 22% gum. Conclusion. The use of both chewing gums increased the concentrations of xylitol in saliva, with a statistically significantly higher concentration using the 100% xylitol gum. Cariogenic and periodontal bacteria were reduced by both chewing gums; 100% xylitol gum produced the highest and longest lasting effect. This study opens up to the use of xylitol against periodontal disease.

Highlights

Dietary fermentable carbohydrates are among the main triggers for the development of cariogenic biofilm [1]
Cariogenic and periodontal bacteria were reduced by both chewing gums; 100% xylitol gum produced the highest and longest lasting effect
No statistically significant differences were found in the xylitol concentration of saliva samples collected before the use of the chewing gums (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

Dietary fermentable carbohydrates are among the main triggers for the development of cariogenic biofilm [1]. Several preventive strategies are recommended to control the risk of caries; dietary changes, with reduce intake of sweetener and the use of sugar substitutes, are probably among the most suggested [2]. Xylitol, have been suggested for general and oral health, such as increasing tight junction and barrier formation of the skin, modulating intestinal microbial composition, reducing nose, throat, and ear bacterial infections, influencing bone health, stimulating immunity, and increasing metabolic health [3]. Consumption of polyol, xylitol, through chewing gum or tablets, is reported to reduce dental plaque, the concentration of cariogenic bacteria, such as mutans streptococci, leading to a. The anti-caries effect of xylitol is associated with suppression of mutans streptococci and modification of their virulence [5,6]

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