EFFECT OF XYLITOL ON PLAQUE INDEX AND ACIDITY OF DENTAL BIOFILM AND SALIVA

Introduction: Dental caries is the most common oral disease in childhood, and sucrose plays a significant role in its development. As awareness grows of the health implications surrounding high sugar diets, finding appropriate sugar substitutes becomes crucial. One of the used substitutes is xylitol - a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of using xylitol lollipops in children aged 7 to 12 years on the formation and accumulation of dental biofilm, the pH value of dental biofilm, and the pH value of saliva. Materials and methods: The study involved 40 children aged 7 to 12. The value of the plaque index, the pH of the saliva, and plaque were evaluated after 14-day frequent usage of xylitol lollipops. Results: The results show that the use of xylitol lollipops reduces the values ​​of the plaque index. Xylitol products have been shown to potentially increase plaque and saliva pH values. The differences are statistically significant compared to the baseline levels (p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings collectively suggest that xylitol effectively reduces plaque accumulation and maintains a favorable pH environment in the oral cavity, which can help prevent dental caries and improve overall oral health. Such products are a valuable preventive measure among schoolchildren and can replace the use of sugar-containing lollipops.