A Randomized Double-blind, Parallel, Clinical Trial Evaluating the Efficacy of Dissolving Xylitol Chewable Tablets versus Xylitol Chewing Gum on Bacterial Count, Plaque Accumulation, and Gingival Inflammation in the Elderly

Background: Xylitol, being a nonfermentable sugar alcohol, is recognized as having anticariogenic and antimicrobial effects. The purpose of this study was to compare xylitol dissolving tablets with xylitol chewing gum to determine their relative effectiveness on plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and salivary bacterial count for 30 days. Materials and Methods: A double-blind, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial was conducted at Vedic Vanaprastha Ashram, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India, a residential facility for elderly citizens. A total of 96 healthy adults aged 60 years and above were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 received xylitol chewing gum, and Group 2 received xylitol dissolving tablets, each consumed three times daily for 30 days. Clinical evaluation for PI, GI, and salivary bacterial count was done at baseline and day 30. Statistical analysis was done using paired t -tests and independent t -tests. Results: Both groups had significant intragroup decreases in PI and GI ( P < 0.001). The dissolving tablet group had a larger decrease in PI (mean change 1.03 ± 0.38) than the chewing gum group (mean change 0.65 ± 0.59) with a statistically significant difference ( P < 0.001). GI decreases were seen in both groups without any significant intergroup difference ( P = 0.341). Salivary bacterial counts reduced significantly in both groups ( P < 0.001), without any intergroup difference ( P = 0.784). Conclusion: Both xylitol chewing gum and dissolving tablets were effective in reducing gingival inflammation and salivary bacterial counts, while dissolving tablets showed superior efficacy in reducing plaque levels.