Effect of Xylitol in Dentifrice on Streptococcus mutans of Schoolchildren

In several human trials, xylitol products have been shown significantly reduce the incidence of caries. Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of dental caries by triggering dental plaque formation, effort to control dental caries in the community has been done in many ways. Recent study showed that the amount of Colony Forming Units (CFU) of salivary Streptococci mutans after tooth brushing with dentifrice containing xylitol is lower compared with non-xylitol dentifrice. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the sensitivity of dentifrice containing xylitol on Streptococci mutans. Methods: Dentifrice containing xylitol was examined in vitro to inhibit the bacterial growth by determining the inhibition zone (agar diffusion method), minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The microorganisms tested were local strains of Streptococcus mutans isolated from schoolchildren harbouring species in Kelapa Island Indonesia labeled as S. mutans 1, S. mutans 2, S. mutans 3, S. mutans 4, S. mutans 5 and S. mutans 6. Results:

All MBC values were the same as MIC values. Conclusion: This study shows that dentifrice containing xylitol has anti-microbial activity against local strains of Streptococcus mutans isolated from schoolchildren. It can be used in preventing caries.