Beneficial Effects of Xylitol Chewing Gum and Candies on Oral Health in Older People and Individuals With Disabilities: A Systematic Review.

AIM: To determine whether the favorable effects of xylitol chewing gum/candy on oral health observed in healthy children and adults can be demonstrated in older people or individuals with disabilities?

METHODS

Electronic and hand searches were performed to find prospective randomized or controlled clinical studies comparing effects of xylitol gum/candy with a polyol/no product control on oral health. 1171 studies were screened after duplicate removal. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, four studies in older and five studies in people with disabilities were reviewed.

RESULTS

Clinically significant decreases in plaque accumulation were reported for xylitol gum/candy use in both populations. The results on gingival inflammation and caries occurrence were in line with these results. Use of high-concentration xylitol candy decreased counts of mutans streptococci in individuals with disabilities. The studies in frail, older people suggested that xylitol gum chewing may reduce dry mouth symptoms, increase salivation and improve self-perceived oral health.

CONCLUSION

The effects of xylitol chewing gum/candy on oral health in older people or individuals with disabilities may be comparable to those reported for healthy individuals. These findings suggest that xylitol gum/candy may be a useful adjunct for oral health maintenance in both older people and people with disabilities.