Effect of dentifrices containing either xylitol and glycerol or sorbitol on mutans streptococci in saliva.

In 76 adults, randomly distributed between two groups, a comparison was made of the effect on the level of mutans streptococci in saliva between two dentifrices containing: (1) xylitol (9.9%) and glycerol (20%) or (2) sorbitol (28%) as humectants. After the use of the dentifrices twice daily for 3 months, the levels of mutans streptococci had not changed significantly in the sorbitol-treated group, whereas a significant reduction (p less than 0.0005) was found in subjects using the xylitol/glycerol dentifrice. The difference between the two dentifrice groups based on the changes observed during the 3-month period was also significant (p less than 0.02).