Anticaries Effect of Xylitol,Probiotic and Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinses Among Individuals at High Risk
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2017-12-20
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Dental caries is a localized, post eruptive pathological process involving softening of the
hard tooth tissue and proceeding to the formation of cavity. It results from accumulation of
plaque on the surface of the teeth and biochemical activities of complex microorganisms.
Streptococcus mutans is one of the main pathogens of dental caries. Although brushing has the
potential to maintain adequate levels of oral hygiene, studies demonstrate that such methods
are not being employed sufficiently. The need for additional help in controlling bacterial
plaque provides the rationale for patients using mouth rinses as adjuncts. Chlorhexidine
although considered the gold standard, its side effects due to prolonged use such as staining
of teeth, dry mouth, altered taste sensation, mouth/ throat irritation, etc indicates the
need for alternatives.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a
health benefit on the host. Probiotic technology represents a breakthrough approach to
maintaining oral health by utilizing natural beneficial bacteria commonly found in healthy
mouths to provide a natural defense against those bacteria thought to be harmful to teeth and
gums. The advantages of using a probiotic mouth rinse are that it contains friendly microbes,
there is no issue of antibiotic resistance, and there are no known/proven toxicities caused
due to their use.
Xylitol is a non-sugar sweetener permitted for use in foods. Xylitol is a naturally occurring
non-cariogenic sugar substitute that cannot be metabolized by oral bacteria. This possesses
various properties favorable for caries prevention.It acts by forming of loosely attached
biofilms on the tooth surfaces that can be easily removed. Although many studies have
evaluated the effects of xylitol chewing gum on caries prevention, there are very few
examining the effect of xylitol mouth rinse on oral Streptococcus mutans. Hence xylitol mouth
rinse may be introduced as a possible alternative.
Antimicrobial efficacies of probiotics and xylitol mouth rinses have not been compared till
date. Also their effects on the young and elderly population have not been compared. Hence
the purpose of the study is to compare the antimicrobial efficacies of probiotic & xylitol
mouth rinses with that of chlorhexidine in children and elderly population.