Xylitol-only sugar-free chewing gum vs Pooled controls: no gum, placebo/control gum, probiotic, or fluoride varnish
Streptococcus mutans load in the oral cavity (saliva and/or dental plaque) · Adults and children (general population)
Xylitol-only sugar-free gum significantly reduced Streptococcus mutans load versus pooled controls (SMD -0.46, 95% CI -0.64 to -0.28; 12 trials, I2 43%); certainty not formally graded.
1 finding from 1 review
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of sugar-free chewing gum on Streptococcus mutans. 2021 All outcomesFinal/end-of-study time point (follow-up 2 weeks to 18 months) · Schools, kindergartens, universities and community settings; adults and children; multiple countries · Overall (vs all controls)SMD -0.46 [-0.64, -0.28]12 studies · 1295 participantsGRADE not reported