Maltitol and xylitol chewing gum and plaque in teenagers
What it found
In 258 teenagers in China, chewing gum sweetened with maltitol or xylitol for 30 days raised plaque pH and reduced plaque growth and four types of mouth bacteria, compared with gum base or no gum.
The two sweeteners worked similarly.
What they found
Studies in people
Plaque pH
Maltitol and xylitol gums led to a higher plaque pH than both control and placebo groups, on short and long term, with or without saliva stimulation.
Plaque growth
Maltitol and xylitol gums led to a decrease in plaque growth over the experimental period compared to controls.
Cariogenic bacteria
Maltitol and xylitol gums significantly reduced the concentration of 4 cariogenic bacteria species in dental plaque compared to gum base.
Gum base effects
All parameters studied were significantly modified with gum base compared to no-gum: plaque pH increased; plaque growth, bacteria and insoluble glucans decreased.
What the authors conclude
“Sugar free CG sweetened with either maltitol or xylitol can similarly reduce plaque acidogenicity compared to gum base through a decrease in oral bacteria presence.”
Also in their conclusions
- They conclude that sugar free chewing gum sweetened with either maltitol or xylitol can similarly reduce plaque acidogenicity compared to gum base through a decrease in oral bacteria presence.
- They state that the use of a gum base placebo allowed to isolate effects on parameters involved in dental caries development specific to maltitol and xylitol, and to show these effects were similar.
How it was done
The authors wanted to better understand the role polyols can play in dental caries prevention.
A double-blind, randomised, controlled study was run in China with 258 subjects aged 13 to 15 years. They were divided into 4 groups: maltitol gum, xylitol gum, gum base (placebo), and no gum. Gum was chewed for 30 days, equal to 10 g of polyol per day, and plaque growth, pH, bacteria and insoluble glucans were measured.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This study measured plaque parameters over 30 days, not whether caries or cavities actually developed.
- It cannot show whether the effects would last beyond the study period or in other age groups.
The paper
- Title
- Effects of maltitol and xylitol chewing-gums on parameters involved in dental caries development
- Type
- Randomised controlled trial
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Thabuis C, Cheng CY, Wang X, et al (2013). Effects of maltitol and xylitol chewing-gums on parameters involved in dental caries development. European journal of paediatric dentistry.PubMed 24313583
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error