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 outcomesPost-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 participantsGRADE not reported