Effect of xylitol chewing gum on dental plaque pH in vivo

Objective To evaluate the effect of xylitol chewing gum on dental plaque pH in vivo.Methods Nine healthy volunteers were recruited as subjects.All subjects gave up oral hygiene methods 48 hours before being measured. The pH value was measured by Beetrode pH Electrodes in vivo.The pH value was measured according to a series of time (0,3,8,13,20,30 and 40min) after rinsing mouth with 10% sugar solution,chewing sugar containing gum and xylitol chewing gum.Results The dental plaque pH value fell down rapidly after rinsing mouth with 10% sugar solution. The pH value fells in a less extend degree after chewing sugar containing gum than rinsing mouth with 10% sugar solution,and the pH values were lower at 0,3,8min (P＜0.05).The pH value didn't fall after chewing xylitol chewing gum and kept in a high level till to 40 min(pH＞6.40).The pH values were higher than that after chewing sugar containing gum at 0,3,8,13,20min (P＜0.05).Conclusion Chewing xylitol chewing gum reduces the acidogenic potential of dental plaque and could help to remineralization.