The short-term effects of chewing gum containing xylitol and/or blackberry extract on oral microbiota was studied. Fifty healthy adults participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study.
The short-term effects of chewing gum containing xylitol and/or blackberry extract on oral microbiota was studied. Fifty healthy adults participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design study. One group chewed 1 piece of xylitol-containing chewing gum 4 times/day and the other chewed 1 piece of BBE+xylitol-containing gum 4 times/day. All wore a custom stent with a sterile enamel chip luted to the facial surface during the 1-day experiment. Unstimulated saliva was collected at 8 am and 4 pm, and enamel chips were harvested at 4 pm. A week later participants chewed gum from the other group. The bacterial composition in saliva and on the enamel chips were assessed using real-time PCR.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
50
On the day of gum chewing, four pieces of gum were provided per the assigned group, and each volunteer was requested to chew the gum four times daily (i.e., at 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm). Each gum chewing interval was for 20 minutes.
Total salivary bacteria count
Comparative difference in the total salivary bacteria count after chewing 4 pieces of gum
Time frame: 7 hours
Bacteria count on enamel
Comparative difference in the total bacteria count after chewing 4 pieces of gum (placebo vs. BBE gum)
Time frame: 7 hours
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