Famous scientific studies on xylitol in oral hygiene

Studies certify that Xylitol has an effective, simple and long-lasting effect in the prevention of caries. To date, almost 300 specific international studies have been carried out on the effects of xylitol in dental care. We have summarized the most important studies for you.

1. Turku-sugar study A) (1975)
Sources: Scheinin, A., Mäkinen, K.K. (1975) Turku Sugar Studies I-XXI. Acta Odontol. Scand 33. (Suppl.70):1-349.
Period: 2-year study (1972 - 1974).
Subjects: 115 participants aged 12 to 53 years.
Trial groups: one "sucrose group", one "fructose group" and one "Xylitol group". Administration: 50 -67g/day Xylitol in regular food.

2. Turku-sugar studies (B) (1975).
Sources: Scheinin, A., Mäkinen, K.K. (1975) Turku Sugar Studies I-XXI. Acta Odontol. Scand 33. (Suppl.70):1-349.
Period: 1-year study (1973 - 1974).
Subjects: 100 dental students
Trial groups: a "sucrose group" and a "Xylitol group". Administration: 6.7g/day in the form of chewing gum.
Result:
- Significant caries reduction (over 85%) with Xylitol.
- DMFS index* Change in the Xylitol group =0.0
- Significant change in DMFS index after 6 months.
- Significant also in the use of only 6.7g Xylitol/day.
- The re-mineralization effect is determined by the continuation of Xylitol.
The DMFS index = is an abbreviation for the evaluation of tooth health or disease, where D means = (caries), M = missing, F = filling and S = surface. An index of 1 means that of the 28 teeth one is missing, has karies or is filled.

3. Ylivieska study (1982-1984) - Follow-up 1987 and 1989.
Sources: Isokangas, P., Mäkinen; K.K., Tieskso, J., Alanen, P. (1993) Long-term effect of xylitol chewing gum in the prevention of dental caries: a follow-up 5 years after termination of a prevention program. Caries Res 27:495-498. Period: 2-year study.
Subjects: pupils aged 11-12 years.
Trial groups: a "standard prevention group" and a "+ Xylitol-prevention group". Administration: 7 -10g Xylitol/ 3 times a day in chewing gum.
Result:
- Xylitol as an adjunct to oral hygiene has a significant effect on improving caries prevention.
- Long-term protection even after the use of Xylitol.
- The preventive effect against caries is most effective on erupting teeth.

4. Belizo-Study (1989 - 1993)
Source: Mäkinen, K.K., Bennett, C.A., Hujoel, P.P., Isokangas, P.J., Isotupa, K.P., Pape, H.R., Jr., Mäkinen, P.-L. (1995) Xylitol chewing gums and caries rates: a 40-month cohort study. J. Dent. Res. 74:1904-1913.
Period: 40-month study.
Subjects: 1,300 pupils aged 6 - 8 years.
Trial groups: A "sucrose group", a "sorbitol group" and a "Xylitol group". Administration: 15g Xylitol/ 7 times a day in chewing gum.
Result:
- Children in the Xylitol gum group have after 40 months less caries growth than other children in comparative groups.
- Xylitol acts directly after taking it.
- 5 years without taking Xylitol: Children still have much healthier teeth.

5. Mother/child study Finland (2000)
Sources: Isokangas P., Söderling, E., Pienihäkkinen, K., Alanen, P. (2000) Occurrence of dental decay in children after maternal consumption of xylitol chewing gum: a follow-up from 0 to 5 years of age. J. Dent. Res. 79:1885-1889
Period: 5-year study.
Subjects: Mothers of newborns.
Trial groups: a "Xylitol group", a "Fluor group" and a "Chlorhexidine group" Administration: 6-7g Xylitol/ 4 times daily in Xylitol gum.
Results:
- The use of Xylitol can prevent the spread of caries bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) between family members.
- The study reinforces the thesis that caries is a contagious disease.
- Xylitol intake in mothers has a preventive effect on the development of caries in their children.

6. Pastillen-Study (2004)
Source: Z.Gintner, J. Szöke, Á. Patthy, E. Söderling, J. Bánóczy (2004) Wirkung von XylitPastillen auf Zahnplaque und Streptococcus mutans. Oralprophylaxe & Kinderzahnheilkunde 26:93-95 Period: 4-week study.
Subjects: 59 young adults (20-25 years of age)
Trial groups: a "Xylitol group" and a "control group". Administration : 5g Xylitol/ 4 times a day in tablets.
Result:
- Also the dosage of Xylitol in lozenges leads to a significant reduction of plaque and caries bacteria (Streptococcus mutans).
- The reduction of plaque by taking Xylitol is very visible after 4 weeks.
- Xylitol has an advantageous effect on oral hygiene.