Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that inhibits the growth of cavity-causing bacteria like Streptococcus mutans when consumed in sufficient amounts. It is found in various gum, candy and dental products and can help reduce tooth decay, especially when consumed as part of a regular oral health routine involving brushing and other preventative measures. While generally safe, xylitol can have a mild laxative effect at high doses and is not recommended for those with a hypersensitivity.

1. XYLITOL
Presented by -
RIYA GUPTA

2. CONTENTS
• Causes of tooth decay
• Human diet and sugars
• Xylitol: What? Where? How?
• Indications
• Contraindications.
• How much xylitol?
• Can diabetic use xylitol ?
• How bacteria transmit from mother to child ?
• 5 efforts to keep the mouth healthy
• Conclusion

3. Cause of Dental Caries
• Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) bacteria is
the leading cause of tooth decay.
• Bacteria like S. mutans feast on sugars and
starches found on teeth.
• Bacterial metabolism produce
acids that “eat away” teeth
surfaces causing weak spots
that can become cavities.

4. Human Diet and Sugars
responsible for dental caries

6. MONOSACCHRIDE DISACCHRIDE
Maltitol
Xylitol isomalt
Sorbitol
Mannitol
Erythitol POLYSACCHRIDE
Lycasin-hydrogenated
Starch hydrolysate

7. What is Xylitol?
• Naturally occurring sweetener in the same
class as sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol.
• Found in fibers of trees, fruits,
and vegetables.
• The human body produces
several grams of xylitol a day.

8. • Pure xylitol is a white crystalline substance
that looks and tastes like sugar .
• On food labels, xylitol is classified broadly
as a carbohydrate and more narrowly as a
polyol or sugar alcohol; however, xylitol is
considered a “sugar-free” sweetener.

9. • Chemically xylitol differs from other
sweeteners such as sorbitol, fructose and
glucose because its molecule has five,
instead of six, carbon atoms.
• It is much sweeter than sorbitol.
• It contains about 40% fewer calories than
sugar.
• xylitol's sweetening power is the same as
that of sucrose (table sugar).

10. How Xylitol Works
• Cannot be fermented by plaque bacteria.
– Microorganisms like S. Mutans do not
metabolize xylitol .
• Inhibits growth and metabolism of
S. mutans and reduces dental plaque.
• Thus reduces S. mutans levels in plaque
and saliva .
– Reduction in acid production
– Reduction in dental caries

12. Where Can You Find Xylitol?

14. Xylitol paste

15. Xylitol chewing gum

16. How Much Xylitol?
• Research suggests 5 to 10 grams of xylitol
per day for effectiveness.
• Humans tolerate up to
approx. 45 grams/day .
Adults: 6 to 12 g/ day
Children: 3 to 8 g /day

17. INDICATIONS
• Hydrated Mouth
• Against Cavities
• Diabetics
• Smoking Cessation
• Otitis media .
• lung and nasopharyngeal infections.

18. Contraindications
• Mild luxative effect
•contraindicated in those who are
hypersensitive to any component of
a xylitol-containing product.

19. Can dIabeTICs use
XYLITOL ?
• Yes, because body dose not require
insulin to metabolize xylitol.
• Low glycemic response than sucrose
and glucose.

20. HOw THe baCTerIa
TransmITed frOm mOTHer TO CHILd
bacteria acquired by children from their
Mother by salivary contact
This event takes place during time period when
the child’s first tooth erupts(6to30 months)
Because bacteria require tooth surface as a
habitat
Initial colonization takes place

21. COnsumpTIOn Of XYLITOL In
mOTHer
Short term use-
inhibit the growth of
bacteria
Long term use-
- permanent reduction
- change in type of bacteria
in mother’s mouth.

22. Because of inhibition of growth and
reduction in number of bacteria in
mother’s mouth it is difficult for
these bacteria to be successfully
transmitted to their children

23. 5 EFFORTS TO KEEP THE MOUTH
HEALTHY
1.Use Xylitol toothpaste, mouthwash, and
nasal spray upon waking up.
2.After breakfast use Xylitol gum, mints or
candy.
3. After lunch use Xylitol gum, mints or
candy.
4. After dinner use Xylitol gum, mints or
candy.
5.Use Xylitol toothpaste, mouthwash, and
nasal spray upon going to bed.

24. Conclusion
• Xylitol-fluoride toothpaste appears to
enhance protection from dental caries.
• It is feasible to integrate twice-daily tooth
brushing into the program.
• Families need to be encouraged to use
xylitol at home.