Inhibitory Effect of Xylitol on de novo Plaque Formation

Abstract

An inhibitory effect of xylitol-containing preparation or solution at different concentrations with or without chlorhexidine on de novo plaque formation was clinically compared. Ten adult subjects aged 26-34 years old with apparently healthy gingiva showing no sign of periodontal disease were enrolled in this study. Test materials examined this study were: 1) distilled water (negative control) (DW), 2) 65% xylitol combined chewing gum (Xly-fresh®) (XG), 3) 100% xylitol candy (XYROFIN®(XC), 4) 5% xylitol solution (5% X), 5) 20% xylitol solution (20% X) and 6) 5% xylitol solution mixed wiith 0.02% chlorhexidine (XCHX). For 14 consecutive days prior to the experiment, tooth surface cleaning and oral hygiene instruction were performed by a dentist. All mechanical tooth cleaning were abstained at the beginning of experiment. During the study period, the subjects were instructed to chew or suck 2 xylitol combined gums or candies a time, twice a day (total 4 gums or candies), or to rinse with 10 of DW or xylitol solution twice a day for 1 minute each. At the beginning of experiment and again on Day 4, all tooth surface was examined by Silness & Löe's plaque index (PH). After examination on Day 4, tooth cleaning by the dentist and brushing by the subject were restarted followed, both of which were again stopped after 10 days and chewing a gum or sucking a candy or rinsing the mouth was performed for subsequent 4 days. This sequential procedure was repeated 6 times for each of xylitol-containing preparations and solution mentioned above. A statistical significant difference was observed between DW and 5% X or 20% X (p< 0.05) as well as between DW and XCHX (p<0.01). From this study, the following conclusions could be drawn: 1) The inhibitory effect of xylitol-containing chewing gum and candy on de novo plaque formation was revealed to be slightly better to that of the control group but the difference showed no statistical significance. 2) A significant inhibitory effect on de novo plaque formation was observed with use of 5% and 20% xylitol solution. 3) Through addition of 0.02% chlorhexidine to 5% xylitol solution, the inhibitory effect on de novo plaque formation was reinforced. In conclusion, the higher percentage of xylitol solution mixed with chlorhexidine may effective for preventing periodontal desease and caries lesion. J. Jpn. Soc. Periodontol., 43: 289-294, 2001.