ASSESSMENT OF ANTI-MICROBIAL EFFECTS OF XYLITOL ON STREPTOCOCCUS MUTAN

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of xylitol on salivary s.mutans level in children. Subject and Methods: This Clinical trial was conducted at Government primary school Dar-ul-Uloom Hirabad for the period of 2 months. The trial begins by using performa which was consisting of two parts. The first part consisted of general information, and second part was consisted of clinical oral examination, it was carried out to find out active lesions by the help of using (WHO) criteria with the use of plane mouth mirror, and WHO probe. Collection of saliva was scheduled after the clinical examination. This sampling of Saliva is done at the day 1st and also at the end of the study trial. Xylitol products given to students, for twice a day (500mg xylitol/day) for at least 20 minutes. The colonies of bacterial growth were measured in (cfu/ml) colony forming unit per milliliter of saliva sample by anaerobic jars. Results: Mean age was 8.5 ±(SD= 2.32) range from 4 years to 13 years, the compliance was excellent, and no side effects were reported. The growth of S.Mutans at baseline were observed 6.16±(SD=1.37) and after chewing xylitol the growth of S.Mutan was reduced 3.52±(SD=1.15). All subjects had detectable levels of S. Mutans at baseline, and after the 4-week intervention period, significantly reduce levels (P < 0.05)