[Diet and plaque].

In summary, many sugar substitutes have a direct effect on dental plaque formation and, therefore, also an indirect effect on hard tooth substance. Short-and long-term clinical studies have shown that xylitol reduces dental plaque. Short-term clinical tests have also demonstrated that sorbitol reduces plaque formation, probably due to retardation of acid formation. With time, this effect, however, diminishes due to adaptation of the microorganisms. Streptococcus mutans count and acid formation in dental plaque are favourably influenced by sugar substitutes, especially by the consumption of xylitol. The effect of sugar substitutes on dental plaque plays an important role for the anticariogenic and caries-reducing mode of action. The development of both caries and periodontal diseases can be favourably influenced by reduced plaque formation.