To Determine the Effect of Chewing Gum Containing Xylitol and Sorbitol on Mutans Streptococci and Count in Saliva, Plaque, and Gingival Health and to Compare the Efficacy of Chewing Gums.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to determine the effect of chewing gum containing xylitol and sorbitol on mutans streptococci and count in saliva, plaque, and gingival health and to compare the efficacy of chewing gums.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was designed as a double-blinded randomized uncontrolled clinical trial with two parallel arms. A total of 80 students consented and completed the study. The test group (X) received corresponding pellets with xylitol and the control group (S) was given pellets containing sorbitol and maltitol three times daily for 30 days. Clinical scoring and saliva samples were collected at three different intervals, at baseline, 15, and 30 day of the study. The outcome measure was plaque index score, gingival index score, salivary mutans streptococci, and counts. Data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 19.0).

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the mean of mutans streptococci count of test and control group at baseline and 15 day, but there was statistically highly significant difference ( = 0.00) between the mean of mutans streptococci count in test and control group on the 30 day. The mean of count, plaque index, and gingival index score between test and control group showed no statistically significant difference at baseline, 15 day, and 30 day.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that only xylitol gum may interfere with the mutans streptococci composition and reduce it after continuous use of 30 days effectively as compared to sorbitol gum, but both the gums are equally effective on salivary , plaque, and gingiva at different intervals.