Is there a justification for the use of xylitol to prevent caries? A literature review

Vol. 10 – Number 40 – 2019 CLINICAL BOOKLET Review article / Review article Page 128-134 Is there a justification for the use of xylitol to prevent caries? A literature review Renato Barcellos Rédua¹ Beatriz Lorenzoni² Antenor Venturim Filho³ Romario Leone Laurente³ Summary The ingestion of sugars and their fermentation by cariogenic microorganisms play an important role in the development of dental caries. Xylitol, a low-calorie polyol, has proven to be an important substitute for sucrose. This study aimed to gather information on the use of xylitol in dentistry, addressing its most efficient forms of administration in the prevention of dental caries. Full text articles were searched in the PubMed, Medline, Scielo and BBO databases. The literature agrees that xylitol cannot be metabolized by Streptococcus mutans. Consequently, a reduction of these bacteria is observed on the dental surface when this substance is continuously used. However, there are controversies about the real reduction in the incidence of caries, since the reduction of these bacteria is partial and temporary, in addition to the impossibility of a diet restricted to the use of other sugars. The consumption of xylitol is promising in the prevention of dental caries. The production costs are still high, not justifying its benefits, however, more viable forms of production are being developed, which may make the cost-benefit ratio of xylitol satisfactory. It was concluded that the effect of xylitol on caries prevention is controversial. Although this sweetening substance is not fermented by bacteria, and can temporarily reduce the amount of Streptococcus mutans in the oral cavity, this reduction is partial and temporary, and is not directly related to the reduction of caries, being this an auxiliary and not determining action. Descriptors: Oral health, evidence-based clinical practice, xylitol, microorganism control agents.   ¹ Dr. in Pediatric Dentistry – Unicsul, Me. in Orthodontics – UERJ, Esp. in Orthodontics – UERJ, Diplomate of the Brazilian Board of Orthodontics, Prof. of Integrated Clinic for Children. ² Graduated in Dentistry – ESFA, Post-Graduation Student in Periodontics – ABO/ES, Dentist and Post-Graduation Student. 3 Graduated in Dentistry – ESFA, Dentist.