EFFECTS OF XYLITOL ON ENAMEL EROSION CONTROL

Abstract

In this study was verified the in vitro influence of xylitol in the process of teeth
demineralization, evaluating its preventive and/or corrective performance, in comparison with the
action of fluoride, the standard drug used in cases of dental erosion. It were used 60 bovine teeth,
divided equally into 10 groups, which were exposed to lemon juice, xylitol (10%, 25% and 40%)
and fluoride (500 ppm) in different ways. We evaluated the microscopic characteristics of the
enamel by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Xylitol (10% and 25%) was not enough to
prevent the microstructural changes of the dental enamel and, consequently, to prevent the process
of dental erosion both in the prevention and correction studies. However, 40% xylitol showed
protective and correction effect on the erosive process, similar to that one adopted as standard, 500
ppm of fluoride. This study highlights the importance of knowledge of substances that can prevent
the progression or treating the erosive process, and the 40% xylitol may be an appropriate
replacement substance of fluoride.

DESCRIPTORS - Xylitol; tooth erosion; demineralization; prevention and control.