A comparative in vivo study of natural sweetening agents and their effect on salivary pH levels among children visiting a dental hospital in North India

Natural sweetening agents have recently gained attention as potential alternatives to refined sugar, owing to their possible non-cariogenic or even protective effects against dental caries. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effect of natural sweetening agents on salivary pH levels in children visiting a dental hospital in North India. This current <i>in vivo</i> study was conducted among 140 children who were randomly allocated to four groups (n = 35 each): Group A (xylitol), Group B (maple syrup), Group C (date sugar) and Group D (distilled water, control). Saliva was collected at baseline, 0, 15 and 30 minutes post-rinsing and pH was assessed using indicator strips. All natural sweeteners significantly increased salivary pH (p < 0.05), peaking at 15 minutes. Xylitol showed the highest mean pH at 30 minutes (7.40 ± 0.60), while no significant changes occurred in the control group. Xylitol, maple syrup and date sugar positively modulate salivary pH, with xylitol showing the greatest effect.