Effects of Xylitol-Laced Sweets on the Accumulation of Dental Plaque : A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Publisher Pubmed



M Mostafazadehbakhtiyary MOHAMMAD ; S Majidinia SARA ; Mh Sohouli Mohammad HASSAN ; H Chalakinia HOSSEIN ; As Langari Atefeh SADAT ; S Ziaaddini SARA ; R Shakiba REZA ; S Yousefi SHAYAN
Source: International Dental Journal Published:2025

Abstract

Background: This meta-analysis was carried out in order to assess the effects of xylitol-laced sweets on the accumulation of dental plaque biofilm. Methods: Using predetermined keywords, a systematic search was conducted using the original databases published until July 2024 on randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effect of xylitol-laced sweets on the accumulation of dental plaque. The random-effects model was used to obtain the 95% confidence intervals and the pooled weighted mean difference. Results: A quantitative meta-analysis of 13 treatment arms of the included studies showed that xylitol-laced sweetssignificantly decreased the plaque index (PI) (WMD: −0.41, 95% CI: −0.62, −0.20, P <.001) and the quantity of plaque accumulation (WMD: −7.46 mg, 95% CI: −13.38, −1.53, P =.014) compared with thecontrol groups. The subgroup analysis showed that xylitol causes a greater decrease in plaque accumulation (PI and amount of plaque) in the dose of interventions ≤20 g compared to >20 g and also during the intervention <4 weeks compared to ≥4 weeks. In addition, the subgroup analysis shows a greater effect on PI reduction in those ≤ 18 years of age. Conclusions: Our findings show the potentially beneficial and significant effects of xylitol-laced sweets either in gummy or candy forms, on reducing plaque accumulation. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.