Findings

What do systematic reviews say?

42 questions · 59 findings · 8 reviews

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No studies found 2 · 3.4%GRADE not reported 38 · 64.4%Very low 6 · 10.2%Low 6 · 10.2%Moderate 7 · 11.9%High 0 · 0%

Xylitol (low-intensity sweetener/sugar alcohol) in food products (chewing gum, milk, candy, or tablets) vs no intervention

Change in Mutans streptococci (MS) count in dental plaque · healthy people

Xylitol significantly reduced Mutans streptococci in dental plaque compared with no treatment (SMD -0.73, 95% CI -1.09 to -0.37; 5 trials, I2=53%; not GRADE-rated).

1 finding from 1 review

Clinical Effects of Sugar Substitutes on Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2024 All outcomes
Post-consumption endpoint (trial durations 2 wk to 6 mo) · All age groups, generally healthy; multiple countries; sugar substitutes delivered as chewing gum, milk, candy, or tablets · Xylitol gum vs no treatment (5 studies, mixed ages)
SMD -0.73 [-1.09, -0.37]
5 studies · 308 participants
GRADE not reported

Xylitol (low-intensity sweetener/sugar alcohol) in food products (chewing gum, milk, candy, or tablets) vs Sorbitol (low-intensity sweetener)

Change in Mutans streptococci (MS) count in dental plaque · healthy people

Xylitol reduced Mutans streptococci in dental plaque more than sorbitol (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.69 to -0.21; 4 trials, I2=7%); not GRADE-rated.

1 finding from 1 review

Clinical Effects of Sugar Substitutes on Cariogenic Bacteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2024 All outcomes
Post-consumption endpoint (varied durations across trials) · All age groups, generally healthy; multiple countries; sugar substitutes delivered as chewing gum, milk, candy, or tablets · Xylitol vs sorbitol (4 studies)
SMD -0.45 [-0.69, -0.21]
4 studies · 323 participants
GRADE not reported