What do systematic reviews say?

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

Xylitol and sorbitol did not differ significantly for Mutans streptococci in saliva (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.12; 2 trials, P=.25); not GRADE-rated.

• 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 gum vs sorbitol gum (2 studies)
  SMD -0.16 [-0.44, 0.12]
  2 studies · 201 participants
  GRADE not reported

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

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.

• 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

Intervention not reported

• A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Role of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum on Plaque Quantity in the Oral Cavity. 2022 All outcomes
  No adverse events reported
  8 studies
  GRADE not reported