An In Vivo Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH in 3-9-year-old Children Using Chewing Gums (Xylitol) and Lollipops (Xylitol + Erythritol).

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the change in salivary pH using xylitol- and erythritol-containing lollipops and chewing gums, and assess the correlation between sugar substitutes and change in pH levels of saliva.

Materials and methods: The present crossover study was conducted in 60 children between 3 and 9 years of age from a private school who had not received any meal for 2 hours prior to examination. There were three groups in this study: group I, control group (rinsing with tap water); group II, experimental group (with sugar substitute lollipops); and group III, experimental group (with sugar substitute chewing gums). The saliva sample was collected at three different time intervals, and the pH of saliva was determined using a universal pH indicator.

Results: There was a highly significant difference observed in the pre- and postsalivary pH in all three groups, with the maximum increase seen in the lollipop group and the least increase seen in the control group.

Conclusion: Lollipops can be used as a preventive measure in decreasing dental caries by preventing the salivary pH from falling below the critical level.

Clinical significance: The use of sugar-substituted lollipops and chewing gums in raising pH levels was evaluated. This finding could be significant in supporting a shift from sucrose-based chocolates to sugar-substituted ones.

How to cite this article: Latkar YS, Gunasekaran S, Arali V, et al. An In Vivo Evaluation of Changes in Salivary pH in 3-9-year-old Children Using Chewing Gums (Xylitol) and Lollipops (Xylitol + Erythritol). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(12):1352-1356.