To Determine the Effect of Chewing Gum Containing Xylitol and Sorbitol on Mutans Streptococci and Lactobacilli 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 Lactobacilli 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(th), and 30(th) day of the study. The outcome measure was plaque index score, gingival index score, salivary mutans streptococci, and Lactobacilli 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(th) day, but there was statistically highly significant difference (P = 0.00) between the mean of mutans streptococci count in test and control group on the 30(th) day. The mean of Lactobacilli count, plaque index, and gingival index score between test and control group showed no statistically significant difference at baseline, 15(th) day, and 30(th) 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 Lactobacilli, plaque, and gingiva at different intervals.