INFLUENCE of xylitol on dental demineralization, in vitro, and plaque formation,in vivo

ObjectiveS: The aim of this study was to verify the influence of xylitol on the main bacteria that constitute dental plaque in comparing with the influence of sucrose and serum. This study also analyzed the influence of xylitol on dental demineralization process on induced superficial caries injuries, through in vitro study, during 30 days. MethodS:Possible influences of xylitol on bacterial composition of dental plaque were verified, using as model the application of this polialcool on inserted enamel fragments in removable devices, by the comparison of the numbers of colonies forming units of total viable bacteria, Streptococcus ssp.,Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus ssp. in 10 and 30 days.Enamel fragments absorbed in quinoline were analyzed, under polarized light microscopy, to compare the variationof mineral loss and caries depth. ResultS: It could be detected higher numbers of Streptococcus mutans in the procedures using sucrose in the period of 30 days, when we compared with the use of xylitol. The total viable bacteria and Lactobacillus ssp. counts did not present alteration with regard to the different studied procedures, in none of the periods of time analyzed. The handling using sucrose was the only factor to favor the numerical increase of S.mutans of 10 for 30 days. ConclusionS: When the samples were analyzed under polarized light microscopy, it was verified that xylitol indices of demineralization was smaller than sucrose. Caries depth injury where was applied the solution of sucrose was approximately the double of which where xylitol was used.These findings confirm the aiding and selection of S. mutans for the use of sucrose, differentiating of the use of xylitol.