Comparative evaluation of Stevia and Xylitol chewing gum on salivary Streptococcus mutans count – A pilot study

BACKGROUND: Stevia is a natural sweetener which is used as sugar substitute. It has been suggested that stevia may be anticariogenic. However, there is limited research in this regard. Hence, the present study was designed to assess reduction in S. mutans in stevia and xylitol chewing gums. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of stevia and xylitol chewing gums on salivary Streptococcus mutans count. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized triple blinded clinical study with a crossover design included twenty healthy children aged 8-13 years with decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft)/DMFT index score ≥ 3. Before the test, unstimulated saliva was collected. Children divided into Group I and II were given Stevia and Xylitol chewing gums respectively. Saliva samples were then collected at 15 min (just after spitting) and after 1 h. The amount of S. mutans in saliva was evaluated using a selective media (TYCSB). The data were subjected to statistical analysis using statistical software IBM SPSS statistics 20.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA) RESULTS: Reduction in S. mutans was seen from baseline to 1 hour in both groups in trial and crossover design though intergroup comparison was not statistically significant. There was reduction seen from baseline to 15 minutes and 15 minutes to 1 hour in xylitol and stevia group both in trial and crossover design which was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Stevia containing chewing gum is equally effective to Xylitol chewing gum in reducing salivary S. mutans counts. Key words:Stevia, Xylitol , S. mutans.