EFFECTIVENESS OF DENTIFRICE CONTAINING XYLITOL ON SALIVARY MUTANS STREPTOCOCCI Heriandi Sutadi*, Soeherwin Mangundjaja** and Andika

Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of dentifrice containing xylitol on the growth of salivary mutans streptococci. The amount of salivary mutans streptococci which was taken before and after tooth brushing from the groups using dentifrice containing xylitol and non-xylitol dentifrice are compared. The study was carried out to investigate the effect of dentifrice containing xylitol in inhibiting the growth of salivary mutans streptococci. Method: Before enrolled in the study, respondents fill and signature the informed consent Sixty subjects had participated on this study, and divided into two groups: The data of salivary sample from each thirty subjects either as a treatment or control group, were collected before and after tooth brushing with dentifrice containing xylitol and non-xylitol. A serial dilution was made and followed by inoculating on TYS20B medium. Data which were obtained from colony forming unit of salivary mutans streptococci grew on the TYS20B medium before and after tooth brushing. “t” test analysis was used for mutans streptococci difference between before and after treatment. Results:The result showed that there was highly significant difference (p < 0.001) between before and after tooth brushing with dentifrice containing xylitol and nonxylitol. Conclusion:Therefore it could be concluded that dentifrice contained xylitol is effective in inhibiting the growth of the salivary mutans streptococci.