Xylitol Syrup Reduces Cavities in Study

Giving toddlers daily doses of xylitol syrup may help to prevent tooth decay, a study suggests. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweetener. Previous studies showed that xylitol chewing gum or candies could help to prevent cavities. The study included 94 children from the Republic of the Marshall Islands. They were 9 to 15 months old. One group received 8 grams of xylitol syrup a day, divided into two doses. One group got the same amount, but in three smaller doses. The third group got one dose of 2.67 grams. Local officials would not allow any group to receive a placebo. After about 10 months, 24% of the 2-dose group had cavities. The rate was 41% in the 3-dose group, and 52% in the single-dose group. The study appeared in the journal Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine. HealthDay News wrote about it July 7.