• 한국치위생학회지
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• 제10권6호
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• pp.1095-1105
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• 2010

Objectives : This paper is designed to help the public prevent their future dental caries, based on the studies of xylitol about it's efficacy and effectiveness, and its appropriate usage. Methods : This study of xylitol on the basis of existing research papers and literature is not only to learn about the mechanism of what xylitol acts, but also to search the effectiveness of incompleteness of xylitol-containing foods, bacterial infection between xylitol and mother-baby, and the side-effects of xylitol. Results : 1. Xylitol's continuous intake of teeth effects the decrease of calculus amount, cleanness of teeth, as well as the remineralization process. The xylitol effect varies depending on the weight of xylitol, which has no effect on root caries. 2. Mouth gargle solution is higher resistant against acids; recalcification is significantly reduced; and remineralization effect represents. 3. It is reported that regular consumption of xylitol by mothers just during two years after birth has significantly decreased the spread possibility of mutans streptococcei. 4. The reduction of dental caries by xylitol is happened by its restraining the growth of bacteria resource caries, with their presence in amount of uncontrolled growth. 5. When a small amount of eating xylitol is absorbed slowly into gastrointestinal tract, being followed by glucose metabolism in the liver, while its excessive amount of eating can cause gastrointestinal problems. Conclusion : Dental hygienists should be required to provide dental information to the public on the basis of academic knowledge. In situation that one is not yet sure of xylitol on solid and multifaceted researches, there must be needed more accurate and detailed reviews on the side-effects of xylitol and the overall impact on the oral environments.