Effect of xylitol on dentin formation in molars of adult rats.

A xylitol-induced reduction in dentin formation has been observed in molars of post-weanling rats, but the effect in older animals with a slower rate of secondary dentinogenesis has not been investigated. We examined the effects of different concentrations of dietary xylitol on dentinogenesis in molars of young adult rats. The control group received a commercial basal diet, while for the other 3 groups, the same diet was supplemented with 5, 10 and 20% of xylitol. After 8 weeks, dentin thickness beneath the main fissures in the mandibular 1st and 2nd molars was measured. The final body weights did not differ between the groups. Dentin formation in the 1st molars of the 10 and 20% xylitol groups was significantly lower as compared to the controls, whereas no difference was found between these 2 groups. In conclusion, dietary xylitol reduces dentin formation in young adult rats in spite of the slow rate of dentinogenesis.