DTUS1410

f HT page 1D About the author Sandra Berger graduated from Ohio State with her RDH and a BS in education. She is the New Jersey clinical specialist for Oral DNA Labs, a salivary diag- nostic company. Berger is currently vice presi- dent and C.E. chair of NJDHA. She is a recipient of the Sunstar RDH Award of Distinction 2007, member of AmyRDH Listers and Career Fusion Alumni 2009 and 2010. tol was a mixture with a syrup-like consistency. Xylitol was not manufactured in a crystalline form until World War II, when war-associated sugar shortages created the need to find alternative sweeteners. Early on, xylitol was primar- ily used in diabetic diets and infu- sion therapy for burn and shock patients as well as for postopera- tive patients in Europe and Asia. It was when further study into xyli- tol’s biological properties, includ- ing dental, that large-scale produc- tion was needed. Industrialized xylitol manufac- turing began in Finland in the early 1970s in the form of gum and mints. It quickly became a daily part of Finnish life. Over the next 35 years, global awareness of the significant advantages xyli- tol offers continues, as does the variety of items that contain the substance. How much do I need? It was previously thought that the benefits of xylitol were dose relat- ed, not frequency related. Howev- er, researchers from the University of Washington did a series of stud- ies in order to potentially substan- tiate these responses on Mutans streptococci’s prevalence and pos- sible reductions with xylitol. In one study, the efficacious dos- age of xylitol was researched and the researchers concluded that MS levels were reduced with increas- ing doses of xylitol. The effect lev- eled off between 6.88 grams and 10.32 grams per day.1 In the second study, the partici- pants consumed 10.32 grams per day (the higher leveling off amount from the previous study) of xylitol divided into two, three or four tioned that it may be dangerous if consumed by pets, such as dogs and cats. Conclusion Prof. Jason Tanzer summed things up best: “Xylitol is inhibitory to the metabolism, growth and plaque formation by Mutans streptococci ... xylitol is conducive to remineral- ization of initial carious lesions ... I have full confidence that these data distinguish xylitol from any other sugar substitute.”3 Xylitol is a low-glycemic sweet- ener and is metabolized indepen- dently of insulin. Xylitol does not cause the sharp increase in blood sugar levels or the associated serum insulin response, which is usually seen following consumption of other carbohydrates. Because of this and the dental and medical benefits it provides, xylitol can be recommended as a sugar-free sweetener suitable for diabetics as well as for the general population seeking a healthier life- style. HT References 1. Milgrom P, Ly K, Roberts M, Rothen M and Mueller G. Mutans streptococci dose response to xylitol chewing gum. J Dent Res 2006;85:177–81. 2. Ly K, Milgrom P, Roberts M, Yamaguchi D, Rothen M and Mueller G. Linear response of HYGIENE TRIBUNE | May 2010 Clinical 3D Visit us at the FNDC Booth #734 AD administrations perday. After five weeks of use, there was no significant difference in MS lev- els in either plaque or unstimulated saliva in groups consuming xylitol two times per day. However, significant differences were seen in the groups consuming 10.32 grams xylitol over three and four administrations per day. These results confirmed previous sugges- tions regarding xylitol dosage and frequency of consumption. A dose range of 6 to 10 grams divided into at least three consump- tion periods per day is necessary for xylitol to be effective with chewing gum as the delivery system.2 Thus, the frequency is as impor- tant as the amount of xylitol used. Where do I find it? Many products in local grocery stores contain xylitol. The easiest to find are gum and candy, but check the ingredients. Just because one flavor or type contains xylitol does not mean that all types of gum from that manufacturer will contain it. Health food stores will carry a larger selection of products, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, mints, individual packets to use in coffee/ tea, bulk packaging to use in cook- ing, nasal sprays and neti pots. Search the Internet for brands and then ask your local pharmacy, grocery or health food store to stock the product. Many items may also be ordered directly from the manu- facturer. Are there any disadvantages? Xylitol was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1963, and it has no known toxic levels or serious known side effects for humans; up to 40 grams per day have been noted with little more than a mild laxative effect. Nonetheless, it should be men- ‘The frequency of application is as important as the amount of xylitol used.’ Mutans streptococci to increas- ing frequency of xylitol chew- ing gum use: a randomized con- trolled trial. BMC Oral Health 2006, 6:6. 3. Prof. Jason Tanzer, Head of Con- necticut School of Dental Medi- cine, “What experts say,” www. xylitolinfo.com, 21 April, 2009.