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Published in:

01-03-2015 | Original Article

Effects of short-term xylitol gum chewing on the oral microbiome

Authors: Eva Söderling, Mohamed ElSalhy, Eino Honkala, Margherita Fontana, Susan Flannagan, George Eckert, Alexis Kokaras, Bruce Paster, Mimmi Tolvanen, Sisko Honkala

Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 2/2015

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short-term xylitol gum chewing on the salivary microbiota of children.

Materials and methods

The study was a randomised, controlled, double-blind trial. Healthy children used xylitol chewing gum (xylitol group, n = 35) or sorbitol chewing gum (control group, n = 38) for 5 weeks. The daily dose of xylitol/sorbitol was approximately 6 g/day. At baseline and at the end of the test period, unstimulated and paraffin-stimulated saliva were collected. The microbial composition of the saliva was assessed using human oral microbe identification microarray (HOMIM). Mutans streptococci (MS) were plate cultured.

Results

As judged by HOMIM results, no xylitol-induced changes in the salivary microbiota took place in the xylitol group. In the control group, Veillonella atypica showed a significant decrease (p = 0.0001). The xylitol gum chewing decreased viable counts of MS in both stimulated (p = 0.006) and unstimulated (p = 0.002) saliva, but similar effects were also seen in the control group.

Conclusions

The use of xylitol gum decreased MS, in general, but did not change the salivary microbial composition.

Clinical relevance

Short-term consumption of xylitol had no impact on the composition of the salivary microbiota, but resulted in a decrease in the levels of MS.

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Title: Effects of short-term xylitol gum chewing on the oral microbiome
Authors: Eva Söderling
Mohamed ElSalhy
Eino Honkala
Margherita Fontana
Susan Flannagan
George Eckert
Alexis Kokaras
Bruce Paster
Mimmi Tolvanen
Sisko Honkala
Publication date: 01-03-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations / Issue 2/2015
Print ISSN: 1432-6981
Electronic ISSN: 1436-3771
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-014-1229-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of short-term xylitol gum chewing on the oral microbiome

Abstract

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical relevance

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Clinical relevance

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