Xylitol-induced changes of enamel microhardness paralleled by microradiographic observations.

The study, aimed to analyze the feasibility of a prospective field study, was carried out in Polynesian children with rampant untreated caries. Slabs of bovine enamel were inserted for 8-12 days in cavities and subsequently replaced by permanent fillings. Before use, the surface of the slab was polished, and one half predemineralized and tested for microhardness.

Collaborative WHO xylitol field studies in Hungary. I. Three-year caries activity in institutionalized children.

The aim of this 3-year field study was to assess the value of partial substitution of sucrose with peroral xylitol (14-20 g/day) as a caries-preventive measure (X group) in comparison with systemic administration of fluoride (F group) and restorative treatment procedures solely (C group). An F dentifrice was used unsupervised in the X and F groups, the former containing 10% xylitol. The C group used customary, predominantly F-free dentifrices distributed by the local health authorities.