Xylitol reduces risk of caries, says DuPont study

XYLITOL, a naturally occurring sweetener is like sugar in taste but contains only half the calories. We know it to be used in chewing gum. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recognized the claim that xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of caries in children.

According to a scientific research conducted by DuPont Nutrition & Health, xylitol can minimize dental caries caused by oral bacteria. The research, which adds depth to previous clinical studies, also used the DuPont dental caries simulator.

Positive effect also in the presence of sucrose

Recently published in Archives of Oral Biology journal, the DuPont study evaluated the effect of sucrose and xylitol on Streptococcus mutans – one of the main species of bacteria responsible for dental caries.

Xylitol was shown to have a significant impact on the bacteria, also when tested in combination with sucrose. The xylitol used for the study was XIVIA^® Xylitol from the DuPont™ Danisco^® range.

Realistic results from dental simulator

 “This in vitro study was the first to test the effect of xylitol on S. mutans using our in-house dental simulator,” says Krista Salli, M.Sc. scientist, DuPont Nutrition & Health in Kantvik, Finland.

“It is encouraging to see that the results closely reflect clinical findings. This is evidence that the oral environment created by our simulator is realistic and suitable for estimating the cariogenicity of food ingredients. This will help us understand the mechanism by which xylitol exerts in benefits.”

Presentation at 2016 FDI World Dental Congress

Earlier studies show that xylitol reduces acidity in the mouth by raising the pH level; slows the ability of cariogenic bacteria to stick to teeth; and inhibits bacterial growth. EFSA has approved the following claim related to xylitol use: ‘100% xylitol chewing gum reduces the risk of plaque in children and plaque is a biomarker for dental caries’.

DuPont will present additional new findings from a second study using the dental simulator at the 2016 FDI World Dental Congress at 10-11am on 9 September in Pavilion 15, level 0, hall 0.F. The Congress takes place from 7-10 September 2016 in Poland.