Abstract

PANESSO SUESCUN, Ernesto A; CALLE ARROYAVE, María Clara  and  MENESES GOMEZ, Edwin J. Xylitol and oral health: uses and possibilities in caries and periodontal disease in populations "PEPE". Univ. Salud [online]. 2012, vol.14, n.2, pp.205-215. ISSN 0124-7107.

Dental caries and periodontal disease are a constant problem that demands a lot of resources but which is still attacking the population every day. Therefore new possibilities for prevention and treatment complementary should be explored to the existing ones. Xylitol is a 5-carbon alcohol derived from the D-xylose whose mechanism of action is to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans found in saliva and biofilm. Besides, it also improves the flow of saliva, prevents the gingival inflammation, reduces adherence of the microorganism (providing protection against periodontal disease) and prevents enamel demineralization reducing acid production. This research makes viable the use of xylitol on oral health and aims to promote new application projects in the field of prevention and treatment of oral alterations. This research also proposes innovative uses in some kind of populations called "PEPE" ("Poblaciones Especiales para el Periodonto" or periodontium special populations) such as disabled children, soldiers in the field, pregnant women, indigenous people, ROM people (Gypsies), patients with xerostomia (either for rheumatoid diseases or chemotherapy), among others. It is proposed that the use of xylitol improves oral health by promoting the use of chewing gum as a vehicle.

Keywords : Xilitol; oral health; Streptococcus mutans; tooth decay.

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